The Hitcooper Review

By: Nick Cooper

The typical Relient K fan is a hip, music-loving teenager who happens to go to church. Expect this to change. With the release of their new album, 'mmhmm', Relient K will be experiencing a much more eclectic fan base. Everyone from TRL fanatics to punk rock afficionados will be talking about this 'new' group.

Relient K has released 4 albums (including 'mmhmm') and toured nonstop in their 6 years as a band. They've been successful in creating a solid fan base, while they have yet to reach top 40 mainstream status. With a general public that can't get enough of Switchfoot's edgy sound and philosophical/spiritual lyrics, expect this to change.

'Mmhmm' truly displays what the band is all about... Creating and performing quality music that's relevant and real. Lead singer, Matt Thiessen, is a true poet who bares his soul and life experiences in each song. He provides listeners with a realistic, yet optimistic view of life; giving attention to the struggles, while reminding listeners of the hope before us.

Album Breakdown

Honesty is the common theme found throughout the album. Thiessen holds nothing back with his baring lyrics and raw delivery. Be My Escape is destined to be a hit with it's catchy chorus and continual movement of tempo. While the track sounds like a superficial punk hit, the lyrics reveal a sense of desperation, confession and determination.

High of 75 is the most peculiar song on the album, because of pop accents infused throughout. Tom Lord-Alge, known for his work with U2, Rolling Stones and Oasis, mixed this track (among others), definitely leaving his mark. I So Hate Consequences is a hard, tightly produced and performed song that's 100% punk. All three band members provide vocals and harmony on this intense track.

Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet is a masterpiece of pop post-punk. It's a raw song; the most edgy, mature song yet from Relient K. The song is most definitely punk, but takes major influences from Linkin Park and surprisingly, the Dixie Chicks (banjo) and Janet Jackson (Black Cat). If you loved Getting into You (on the 'Two Lefts Don't Make a Right' album) then you'll love When I Go Down; an incredibly beautiful, poetic track. You feel as if you are sitting with the band as they play this heart felt song.