As anyone who has ever been in a band with a sibling will tell you, it ain’t easy. Sharing blood and some semblance of musical ability is no guarantee that your tastes will mesh sufficiently to create anything. As you get older and the world affects you in different ways it gets only more difficult. However, all this may go some way to explaining what makes Eisley - a band made up of four siblings and their cousin - so good.

The centrepiece of all the songs is the harmonised voices of Sherri and Stacy DuPree (who you may have spotted moonlighting on Bright Eyes’ Cassadaga album). This focus allows them to indulge a wide variety of different musical influences and ideas, which makes for an album that always keeps you guessing. Full-blown rock songs like the album’s opener Many Funerals or Invasion (the most moving song about Invasion Of The Body Snatchers you’re ever likely to hear) make way for the country-tinged Ten Cent Blues and like the title track, a sweet love song with a Japanese feel.

Combinations is a beautiful record, so maybe sometimes music and family do mix. The first person I recommended it to was my sister.

Label: Rykodisc
Website: www.eisley.com
Release date: 20th August 2007

Tracklist:

1. Many Funerals
2. Invasion
3. Taking Control
4. Go Away
5. I Could Be There For You
6. Come Clean
7. Ten Cent Blues
8. A Sight To Behold
9. Combinations
10. If You’re Wondering
11. Golly Sandra
12. Marvellous