Entertainment
'Forget and Not Slow Down' has plenty of hooks and heart
By Andrew W. Griffin
pop writer
Relient K
"Forget and Not Slow Down"
Mono vs. Stereo / Jive (2009)
There is an appealing urgency to Relient K's latest offering, "Forget and Not Slow Down."
A melodic rock guitar chord with a snappy snare kicks things off, then goes into an acoustic guitar before charging ahead as vocalist Matt Thiessen sings, "How many times / can I push it aside / is it time I befriended all the ghosts of all the things that haunt me most / so they leave me alone / move on with my life."
Time to move on, eh, Mr. Thiessen?
Thiessen sings these lines and all of "Forget and Not Slow Down" with equal passion and believability. This is stuff for fans of Jimmy Eat World or any number of emo-oriented, power-punk bands. In fact, Thiessen's voice reminds me a bit of Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie.
I should note I have not paid close attention to the Christian music industry in well over a decade, the same period in which Relient K has risen and found much success. So, as a newbie to their sound, and as a fan of poppy punk fare, Relient K struck a chord. This album has plenty of hooks and plenty of heart.
And "Forget and Not Slow Down" is, according to reports, about the aftermath of Thiessen's breakup with his fianc?e. That explains the confessional aspect to many of the lyrics.
"Candlelight" is an absolutely beautiful song, and really helps set the bittersweet mood to the entire album. Lyrically, Thiessen is on the mark with the line "Can't hold a candle to her / Cause all the moths get in the way."
And then on "Part Of It," Thiessen references classic high school film "Say Anything" as he sings, "It's been forever since I've gone / But I'm the Cusack on the lawn of your heart." Cool.
"Therapy" has Thiessen singing about driving aimlessly, missing his gal and trying to get her on the phone. But she won't take his calls, so God is the only one who will listen to his breaking heart.
"Over It" treads into adult alternative ballads (think Five For Fighting) and doesn't have quite the impact that a song like "Savannah." A curious song, but oddly engaging.
Drummer Ethan Luck (formerly a guitarist with The O.C. Supertones) is a solid addition to Relient K. He offers a powerhouse style that really frames the sound on this album.
For more information, go to www.relientk.com.
-- Grade: A
- Entertainment
-
-
Monthly Celtic nights celebrate culture
“Set dancing is meant to be social,” said Jean Williams, an Edmond resident who makes the trek to Norman once a month for Third Fr
-
Firehouse director’s first art show at center opens tonight
<p> Firehouse Arts Center Executive Director Douglas Shaw Elder will show his own work in an exhibit at the center for the first time </p>
- Norman musician brings new life to jazz <p> Champian Fulton The breeze and I Gut String Records Champian Fulton (vocals/piano) is one of those kids who old jazz musicians adore.</p>
- SXSW Oklahoma round-up <p> The annual South by Southwest Conference and Festival will take place in Austin starting tonight through March 21.</p>
- Organist to perform concert March 20 <p> The University of Oklahoma School of Music and the American Organ Institute will present Brett Valliant in concert on the Möller O</p>
-
Conan comes to Tulsa with comedy tour
Conan O’Brien will be coming to Tulsa on May 15 for his tour “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television.
-
Half the price, but worth the role
When Liz Taylor heard that Sophia Loren had been offered a million dollars to co-star in “The Comedians” (1967), she told producers
-
Arts market added to Norman Music Festival
The third annual Norman Music Festival (NMF) has added a new partnership to this year’s festival.
- Films playing at Warren Theatre <p>NEW RELEASES: · Green Zone: As Chief Warrant Office Roy Miller searched the Iraqi desert for Weapons of Mass Destruction, he</p>
- Films playing at Hollywood Spotlight <p>New Releases · Green Zone: As Chief Warrant Office Roy Miller searched the Iraqi desert for Weapons of Mass Destruction, he</p>
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Monthly Celtic nights celebrate culture
