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
'Forget and Not Slow Down' has plenty of hooks and heart
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