The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek [Digipak] (CD - 2001)

Additional personnel: Kevan Pedan, Scott Cannon, Kyle Hudson (vocals); Rob Roy Fingerhead (nylon & slide guitar); Heather Walker, Cory Smith (violin); Ann Smith (viola); Madelana Burle Marx (cello); Crystal Brezovsky (French horn).

Recorded at Yellow Studios, Carlton, Ohio.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

Personnel: Ann Marie Smith (viola).

Audio Mixers: Dan Shike; F. Reid Shippen.

Editor: Randy LeRoy.

Photographer: John Falls.

This band of Christian indie-rockers consolidates and expands its reputation as the band of choice for an ever-growing coterie of Christian rock kids with its sophomore album ANATOMY OF THE TONGUE IN CHEEK, expanding its musical horizons along the way. Although the breakneck Green Day-esque rhythms of this self-titled debut are still apparent in songs like "Kick Off" and "Sadie Hawkins Dance," "For the Moments I Feel Faint" points the way to a growing maturity in the band's sonic palette with its pretty string accompaniment and folky, acoustic feel.

The duality of Christian rock lyrics ("Down in Flames" may be about the decline of an ordinary relationship, or the decline of Western civilization, or both) is much in evidence here. The band skillfully chooses teen-personal subjects that reflect a larger agenda, as in "What Have You Been Doing Lately," whose hooky, infectious "the rest is up to you" doubles as teen anthem and teen pulpit exhortation. Relient K are less precious about their faith than many of their counterparts, and this alone should endear them to the ever-growing numbers of youthful Christian rockers that prefer a little punk with their religion. minimize