When Switchfoot released their third album, Learning to Breathe, many critics commented on how much the band matured between their sophomore album, New Way to Be Human, and their new one. They were right, too- Jon Foreman's lyrics were deeper, the band's playing was more skillful, and the production was sharper than anything Switchfoot had done before. Well, it appears that pop/punk outfit Relient K has matured between their first and second albums almost as much as Switchfoot did between their second and third. Relient K's new record, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, is remarkably better than their first album.
After a humorous little mini-song called "Kickoff", the band cranks out one of their catchiest songs to date, "Pressing On". This song not only showcases the fact that each band member has become a better musician since their first release, but it also serves to point out that underneath the heavy rock guitars and punk overtones, Relient K is basically just a hooky pop band. "Sadie Hawkins Dance" is one of vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Matt Thiessen's wittiest, funniest and most pointless songs to date, with a fun, sing-along chorus. "Maybe It's Maybelline" not only skewers the popular ad campaign of the same name, but also makes the point that, "excuses are lame". Some other lighthearted songs include the silly "May the Horse be With You" and a strange interlude called "Breakfast at Timpani's".
Though they are often silly and comical, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek shows that Relient K does know how to get their message across, and, at times, the band can even be serious. "Those Words are Not Enough" is a pop/punk/rock worship song, while "For the Moments I Feel Faint" points to the strength of Jesus. This song is entirely acoustic, a first for Relient K. Producer Mark Townsend and the band throw the listener another curve ball with the album's closing track, "Less is More", a poppy, piano-based worship song.
Granted, there are a few flaws on this album, but none significant enough to mention. Relient K's debut album was great for fans of pop/punk garage bands, but The Anatomy... is even more accessible. I recommend it to any fan of Christian rock who doesn't mind a little bit of silliness.
Josh's Score: 4/5
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Mark BakerSometimes, the best way to prove a point is to use an irony or sarcasm. When the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, he used an analogy. Relient K uses some of these techniques to make their truth-filled lyrics make a greater impact on listeners. Relient K's sophomore album, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek hosts 17 impressive songs that mock clichés such as "Maybe It's Maybelline,"…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Adam L.There is good punk, there is bad punk, and there is punk so bad that only a mother could love it. Which, when you think about it is kind of funny, since I haven't heard reports of throngs of 30+ mothers at any punk shows lately. After several years of hanging around local clubs that let punk bands in, I've become accustomed to plugging my ears and waiting for the agony to be over. This is not the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Brian A. SmithRelient K bills themselves as "sublime, silly, and sacred." They definitely succeed on the silly and the sacred--whether or not they achieve the sublime is up to the listener to decide. Their music can best be described as an amalgamation of punk and pop, their sound like that of Goldfinger crossed with "Weird" Al Yankovic. Matthew Thiessen (vocals/guitar), Matthew Hoopes (guitar), Brian Pittman…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Matt WilliamsThe ever-graying borders of musical genres have been blurred once again, this time on Relient K's sophomore release, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, an album showing tremendous growth since their debut. Easily labeled as a "happy-music punk band" on their self-titled debut, Relient K has kept their fun loving, tongue-in-cheek nature readily available on ...Anatomy..., but has also opted to…Similar sounding releases
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