Music review: Relient K — ‘Collapsible Lung’
The energetic and passionate Ohio-based band releases the follow up to 2009鈥檚 rousing 鈥淔orget and Not Slow Down,鈥� filled with a vintage 鈥�90s alternative rock sound, highlighting reflective lyrics dealing with heartache masterfully created by lead singer and songwriter Matt Thiessen.
For 鈥淐ollapsible Lung,鈥� Thiessen and crew calculatingly decided to pursue a different musical direction. Marking the first time the band ever co-wrote with outside writers, the new arrangements individually possess their own tone and texture, losing some of the signature Relient K sound from earlier releases. Relient K released their self-titled debut in 2000 as youthful Christian punk-pop artists.
While the new album still manages to deliver plenty of catchy pop melodies, the band鈥檚 pro-Christian messages seem to be overshadowed by polished pop arrangements with touches of rock, folk, and synth-pop. 鈥淒on鈥檛 Blink鈥� is the album鈥檚 soaring anthem opener with a commanding chorus that captures the true Relient K spirit.
鈥淏oomerang鈥� is an infectiously slick rocker with a thumping dance beat and another singalong chorus that鈥檚 hard to get out of your head. The synth-infused sophistication of 鈥淚f I Could Take You Home鈥� is most noticeably a new sound and direction for the band. Another style deviation is witnessed on the Maroon 5 feel of 鈥淧TL鈥� as Thiessen offers a polished falsetto layered over a pulsating synthesizer groove.
The band appears to be at their best (and most relaxed) on the raw and passionate 鈥淕loria.鈥� A collaboration with Owl City closes the album with a hint of electronic pop. Perhaps Owl City鈥檚 appearance was a thank you to Thiessen who co-wrote the Owl City/Carly Rae Jepsen 2012 smash hit 鈥淕ood Time.鈥�
While moving in a new direction can sometimes be confusing and uncomfortable, Relient K appears to be making the transition as painless and enjoyable as possible.