There'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, they are just as silly as the latter group. On the song "My Girlfriend," which also happens to be the disc's first single, the band tries to be anthemic, while instead sounding very foolish. The song has a serious premise, being written about a group member's friend who fell away from their walk with Christ to join the Goth scene. The tune is based off the verse 1 Peter 5:8 which states, "Your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." However, such a premise is hard to find within the chorus' chant that "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend." That's not to say that punk music isn't allowed to be goofy, but the song just shows the band's immaturity and attempt to trademark a statement that's really not all that funny.
No other songs on the disc really stand out, although the tracks "Hello McFly," "Softer to Me," and the remake of the 80s sitcom "Charles in Charge" theme song seem to sound very similar. The pace of the album is frankly, exactly the same all the way through. It's raw pop punk that is heart pumping and fast paced, but the redundancy makes this disc hard to listen to straight through.
1.5 tocks
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…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Shawna T.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…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.…Similar sounding releases
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