Garett Press
11/11/05, 04:13 PM
Here is my review for Relient K's Apathetic EP:
Relient K – Apathetic EP
Capitol Records
{SCORE: 6.9/10}
Relient K’s last release, MmmHmm, was somewhat of a gem in my eyes. Not the record that changes the way you think about music or that revolutionizes a genre, but a diamond in the rough by way of quality and scope. We’ve all heard power chords and pianos mesh before to make the drippiest pop-punk possible, but there was something about the way Relient K pulled it off that boasted dignity and elegance. The K boys showcased a boatload of heart, predominantly on the sleeve, and that certain passionate spark that this band has flaunted from day one. The guitar riffs were crisp and convicting and the piano parts composed masterfully and bursting with passive emotion. Religious affiliation or not, MmmHmm is easily one of the best pop-punk albums released in the past few years, and Relient K are easily one of the current champions of the genre. Their last release left fans with only one desire… MORE! Fans demand – band answers: Apathetic EP.
A portion of this hefty little package contains a handful of songs that, while new, don’t stray more than an inch from the material on MmmHmm. The song style and recording nuance are identical, so I’m tempted to refer to them as b-sides but I don’t want to indicate any lack of quality. The new tunes are essentially on par with those on the last release. I’m certainly glad to hear more material along these same lines, but I do hope that Relient K make an attempt to alter their sound in some way before we see the likes of a new full length. “Over Thinking” and “The Thief” are both breathtaking, and reaffirm the notion that Relient K have a knack for balladry, and are savvy in soothing.
The Apathetic EP also offers an acoustic take on two of MmmHmm’s highlight tracks; the popular single “Be My Escape” and my personal favorite “Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet.” Like most of that album these songs were originally pulsing with energy and uptempo rhythm and they suffer here without that edge. It’s definitely a treat to hear them in a different format, and “Be My Escape” works quite well, however, “Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet” might be the most passionately intense track from that album and frankly, it just loses its resonance in this softer shade. The bridge is supposed to explode and here it dwindles, also, where is the piano outro? Bottom line: it sounds decent, but would get its ass kicked by the original.
Relient K must have 6-8 Christmas songs to their name already, including an exclusive Christmas EP but they’ve charmed us once more with their most heartfelt ode to the holiday season yet. If you’re as much a sucker for these babies as I, then know that this Christmas song is among the best for the genre, especially being an original composition rather than a cover. Despite the depressing direction it will fill your heart with feeling and yuletide spirit, even if that means crying next to the Christmas Tree. (Go Jews!)
There is no apathy here. Relient K are still making songs with as much care and emotion as ever, and this EP is worth your money. Hopefully it serves as a stepping stone to a more developed future full length that will outdo any Relient release of the past. Fans of Relient K shouldn’t have a second thought about making this purchase. And if you’re not a fan, reconsider MmmHmm and if/when you do fall in love, the Apathetic EP will be waiting to satiate your craving.
Relient K – Apathetic EP
Capitol Records
{SCORE: 6.9/10}
Relient K’s last release, MmmHmm, was somewhat of a gem in my eyes. Not the record that changes the way you think about music or that revolutionizes a genre, but a diamond in the rough by way of quality and scope. We’ve all heard power chords and pianos mesh before to make the drippiest pop-punk possible, but there was something about the way Relient K pulled it off that boasted dignity and elegance. The K boys showcased a boatload of heart, predominantly on the sleeve, and that certain passionate spark that this band has flaunted from day one. The guitar riffs were crisp and convicting and the piano parts composed masterfully and bursting with passive emotion. Religious affiliation or not, MmmHmm is easily one of the best pop-punk albums released in the past few years, and Relient K are easily one of the current champions of the genre. Their last release left fans with only one desire… MORE! Fans demand – band answers: Apathetic EP.
A portion of this hefty little package contains a handful of songs that, while new, don’t stray more than an inch from the material on MmmHmm. The song style and recording nuance are identical, so I’m tempted to refer to them as b-sides but I don’t want to indicate any lack of quality. The new tunes are essentially on par with those on the last release. I’m certainly glad to hear more material along these same lines, but I do hope that Relient K make an attempt to alter their sound in some way before we see the likes of a new full length. “Over Thinking” and “The Thief” are both breathtaking, and reaffirm the notion that Relient K have a knack for balladry, and are savvy in soothing.
The Apathetic EP also offers an acoustic take on two of MmmHmm’s highlight tracks; the popular single “Be My Escape” and my personal favorite “Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet.” Like most of that album these songs were originally pulsing with energy and uptempo rhythm and they suffer here without that edge. It’s definitely a treat to hear them in a different format, and “Be My Escape” works quite well, however, “Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet” might be the most passionately intense track from that album and frankly, it just loses its resonance in this softer shade. The bridge is supposed to explode and here it dwindles, also, where is the piano outro? Bottom line: it sounds decent, but would get its ass kicked by the original.
Relient K must have 6-8 Christmas songs to their name already, including an exclusive Christmas EP but they’ve charmed us once more with their most heartfelt ode to the holiday season yet. If you’re as much a sucker for these babies as I, then know that this Christmas song is among the best for the genre, especially being an original composition rather than a cover. Despite the depressing direction it will fill your heart with feeling and yuletide spirit, even if that means crying next to the Christmas Tree. (Go Jews!)
There is no apathy here. Relient K are still making songs with as much care and emotion as ever, and this EP is worth your money. Hopefully it serves as a stepping stone to a more developed future full length that will outdo any Relient release of the past. Fans of Relient K shouldn’t have a second thought about making this purchase. And if you’re not a fan, reconsider MmmHmm and if/when you do fall in love, the Apathetic EP will be waiting to satiate your craving.