Relient K contains all the ingredients that a respectable band of the rock/punk genre needs- which a twist. Their new CD ‘MMHMM’ packs a punch both lyrically and musically. This unique group of musicians isn’t afraid to step outside the cookie-cutter approach to song-writing, and each new track brings it’s own flavour and set of musical surprises.
Musically speaking, Relient K has definitely expanded their creative mindset. Catchy and creative guitar riffs and drum fills are complemented by piano which I would liken to the calibre of Ben Folds. In the surprising “Which To Bury, Us or the Hatchet,” the band flawlessly transitions from heavy electric guitar-driven rock to heartfelt piano ballad and back again. Unique time signature combinations make “The One I’m Waiting For” anything but generic rock/punk. There is also a tasteful amount of screaming on a couple of the tracks, which all good bands should indulge in:)
Matt Thiessen’s lyrics also show a maturity and poetic talent that challenges the notion that music of this genre can only be about teenage angst and heartbreak. Faith-inspired tracks such as “Be My Escape,” “I So Hate Consequences,” and “Let It All Out” are both eloquent and ‘non-preachy’ (for lack of a real word!). Witty and poignant political imagery in “The Only Thing Worse Than Beating a Dead Horse is Betting On One” is complemented and balanced by the romantically ‘punny’ lyrics in “My Girl’s Ex-Boyfriend.”
|
Not a single track on “MMHMM’s” 15 song setlist is lacking the creativity and intelligence that has become the trademark of Relient K’s music. Go to www.mmhmm.com, to preview some of their songs- you won’t regret it!
|
