Relient K's latest release
TJ Horansky
Issue date: 10/12/09 Section: Entertainment
Music is an attempt to bring chaos to order. Canton, Ohio, natives Relient K took this attempt to heart on "Forget and Not Slow Down," their latest effort off of the major label RCA Group. Led by vocalist/pianist/guitarist/songwriter Matt Thiesen, "Forget and Not Slow Down" is Thiesen's therapeutic effort to get over a relationship with his fiance that went sour.
The grammy-nominated Christian rock band shine at moments, but drag on at others. The album begins with the title track "Forget and Not Slow Down," a roaring toe-tapper that sounds like a caffeinated version of a Goo Goo Doll's song (but much less annoying than the Goo Goo Dolls). The band really hits their stride on tracks like "I Don't Need a Soul" and "Therapy," the latter fueled by heavy-fingered piano pieces that bring to mind playing styles like Andrew McMahon's Something Corporate. "Over It" is Thiessen's most obvious attempt to come to grips with the end of his relationship, proclaiming "No, I don't know what's over just yet/ But I wont go slow and time can let the mind forget."
Dispersed between the good tracks are random variations and extensions of the same songs, with the longest maxing out at 1:30. These filler tracks, including "Oasis" and "Baby," are pointless and repetitive. They actually detract from the flow of the album as a whole. The album is only revived by the diversity of the stronger tracks. Whether or not Thiessen was able to make sense of his chaotic predicament, his sad songs will make most fans pretty happy.
The grammy-nominated Christian rock band shine at moments, but drag on at others. The album begins with the title track "Forget and Not Slow Down," a roaring toe-tapper that sounds like a caffeinated version of a Goo Goo Doll's song (but much less annoying than the Goo Goo Dolls). The band really hits their stride on tracks like "I Don't Need a Soul" and "Therapy," the latter fueled by heavy-fingered piano pieces that bring to mind playing styles like Andrew McMahon's Something Corporate. "Over It" is Thiessen's most obvious attempt to come to grips with the end of his relationship, proclaiming "No, I don't know what's over just yet/ But I wont go slow and time can let the mind forget."
Dispersed between the good tracks are random variations and extensions of the same songs, with the longest maxing out at 1:30. These filler tracks, including "Oasis" and "Baby," are pointless and repetitive. They actually detract from the flow of the album as a whole. The album is only revived by the diversity of the stronger tracks. Whether or not Thiessen was able to make sense of his chaotic predicament, his sad songs will make most fans pretty happy.
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