Despite 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. Musically, however, there's room for improvement.
The album opens with the cheerfully serious "Hello McFly," which features tight guitar riffs and lyrics speaking of the mistakes that humans make. The popular radio single "My Girlfriend" tells the story of the singer's girlfriend turning from Christ to a life of sin, weaving smart lyrics in with a raw musical exuberance; "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend/she once believed in the truth/now she believes in sin."
Silly songs like a re-do of the TV show "Charles In Charge" and a love song about juvenile sleuth Nancy Drew only add to the overall less than serious theme of the album.
While the potential is certainly there, the album tends to be a little repetitive. Musically, while there are several songs that are capable of standing on their own in quality, the majority of the release tends to sound the same. If you've heard one song, you've basically heard them all.
The talent is there, but after a couple listens, I lost my enthusiasm and became bored. Given a couple of years, and a few more times around the proverbial block, relient K will most likely capture my attention for longer than their debut.
2.5 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 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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