MMHMM (CD - 2004)

Relient K: Matthew Hoope (vocals, guitar); Brian Pittman (bass guitar); Matthew Thiessen, David Douglas.

Personnel: Matthew Thiessen (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards, percussion); David Douglas (vocals, drums); John Davis & the Georgia Sea Island Singers, David Bunton, Kevin Kiehn, John Warne (vocals); Chris Carmichael (violin, viola); David Henry (cello).

Additional personnel: Rob Roy F. (guitar, banjo, percussion); Anthony Lucido (bass guitar); David Henry , Chris Carmichael, David Bunton, Kevin Kiehn, John Warne.

Audio Mixers: J.R. McNeely; Tom Lord-Alge.

Recording information: Dark Horse Studios, Franklin, TN; S-S-Studio, Spring Hill, TN.

If anyone doubted the influential nature of Christian pop culture in the United States during 2004, they could be directed to the group Relient K, a shining example of crossover success with the mainstream. Though the ensemble is comprised of Born Again Christians and maintains a large following in the church-going world, the band's music offers few clues regarding the members' faith-based lifestyle. A melodic and finely-honed mix of pop-punk and emo, Relient K's sound combines substantial and upbeat--but never preachy--lyrics with all the best features of its entirely secular counterparts, including whip-tight musicianship, spot-on vocal harmonies, and mosh-ready beats. In addition, the band incorporates the strings, tinkling pianos, and gentle vocals of artists like Travis and Rufus Wainwright, adding a welcome dollop of gravity to the proceedings. Relient K's ace-in-the-hole, however, is its treatment of lyrical subject matter; forgoing blind faith in favor of frank acceptance and mature solutions, the group effectively blurs the line between CCM and mainstream rock. minimize