The great thing about Christian punk music is that usually the CDs are so upbeat you feel happy and gooey when you listen to them. Relient K's self titled debut is no exception. Matt Theissen, their lead vocalist and guitarist, even said they want to "show kids that Christians can have a lot fun." A notable difference between Relient K and most punk bands, however, is that Relient K sings with impeccable harmony. Matt Hoopes, guitarist and backup vocalist, noted that since they "like to sing in tune [it] ruled out being a straight-up punk band." Therefore, they added British pop to their style and come out sounding like a mix between Weezer, All Star United, MxPx, and Blink 182, which makes for a very interesting listening experience.
Their debut album is musically tight. All the band members are excellent singers and musicians and it shows in their CD. No song stands out above the rest; all of them are equally catchy and easily get stuck in your head. The entire album flows together quite well, making you want to listen to it over and over. Also, Relient K really speak to the youth of today. With songs that talk about Marilyn Manson's influence on degrading the youth to taking a love quiz in Seventeen Magazine, the messsages Relient K portrays are clear and understandable. However, this can work to their disadvantage. While these as well as other media icons are mentioned throughout the duration of the album are easily identifiable to the youth of today, there is no guarantee that their music will be around in ten years. This CD does not have a timeless quality to it. Yet, that's probably not the point of the CD--and it is definitely worth a listen today, for what it says about our culture and our world now.
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstIn general, I do not care for mainstream music acts a whole lot. Sure, I like a few popular bands, like dc Talk and U2, but most of the bands that I listen to are fairly obscure and low-key. One would think, then, that I would not be very impressed with Relient K, the best-selling new rock artist in Christian music last year. Interestingly enough, however, I do enjoy Relient K. Their live shows…The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Mark BakerRelient K, the increasingly popular Christian pop/punk band's first album, which is self-titled, contains hoards of hooks and plenty of edgy rock, making them more accessible and diverse than typical punk bands. Their harmonious vocals and happy-go-lucky songs such as "When You're Around", "Charles in Charge," and "17 Magazine" attract the pop-lovers. Punk music lovers should enjoy the harder…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by James M. BranumAs I was strolling through the local Christian bookstore recently, a CD cover plastered with an interesting sticker immediately caught my eye. The sticker proclaimed in big bold letters, "popular punk rock-n-roll for the modern teenager." "Hmmm..." I thought. "Why should that make someone want to buy the CD? And how could it be popular if it just came out?" These questions perplexed me, so I gave…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoDespite valiant efforts of the band to steer clear of the punk-rock label, Gotee Records' relient K's self-titled debut album is just that. While it certainly has elements of modern rock and pop, the album has a definite MxPx feel to it. Lyrically, the release has all the elements of the new wave of punk-rock. Light, often humorous, yet with an edge of truth, characteristic of the genre.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisThere's nothing special about the ordinary band Relient K, who despite their budding enthusiasm, add minimal substance to the world of punk music. Granted, they have uplifting lyrics that appeal to pre-teens and the youth group crowd, but they still have a long way to go as mature artists in the genre. Relient K is a direct copy band of those like MxPx and Blink-182, and at times on the album,…Similar sounding releases
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