Relient K is a Christian pop punk band that was formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio. The band was named after Matt Hoopes's Plymouth Reliant car.

Members

• Matt Thiessen: vocals, guitar, piano
• Matt Hoopes: guitar, background vocals
• David Douglas: drums, background vocals
• John Warne: bass guitar, background vocals
• Jonathan Schneck: guitar, bells, banjo, background vocals

Former members

• Stephen Cushman: drums, background vocals (1998–2000)
• Brian Pittman: bass guitar (1998–2004)

Evolution of sound

Although Relient K's first EP, All Work and No Play, reached very little commercial success, it caught the attention of dc Talk's Toby Mac. After he signed the band to his label, Gotee Records, Relient K released their self-titled album in 2000. It was distinctly pop punk and featured lyrics with a wide range of pop-culture references.

In 2001, the band released their sophomore album. The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek. This album launched both Relient K and their sound to a whole new level. There were still plenty of pop-culture references on this album, which was evident in the hit single "Sadie Hawkins Dance." This album contained many more softer songs and slightly lighter guitars. They would continue chords through tracks in order to fluidly transition in between songs, a trend that continued on their later albums.

It landed them in the Christian rock limelight, as they were then asked to do their rendition of the popular VeggieTales song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" for the 2002 VeggieTales movie Jonah. This song mixes the sounds of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.

In 2003, Relient K released Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do. This was the album that ended up putting Relient K into the secular spotlight, much like Switchfoot before them. The album had four different covers of different colors, each depicting a car in some kind of wreck. As pop-culture references became less specific, sound and vocals became far more defined. Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do combined the soft, meaningful songs of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and threw in fast-paced songs with deep lyrics, though it leant more towards to pop side of pop-punk than their previous efforts. It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Christian Modern Rock Album.

Since this album was released in March of 2003, Relient K released a bonus disc for Christmas, entitled Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand. It only contained ten tracks but sold fairly well nonetheless.

In late 2004, the group released their long-expected fourth album: Mmhmm. Pop-culture references were even less specific than on their third album, if not nonexistent. The album was significantly more on the serious side with very few of the silly songs the band was known for. It also was much more piano-driven in parts (including an entire song, "Let It All Out"). In July 2005, the album was certified gold. Also, driven by newfound recognition from Mmhmm, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was also certified gold in spring 2005.

The track "Be My Escape," which can be found on Mmhmm, is the band's most popular mainstream song to date. Its music video entered MTV's Top Ten, and landed them an appearance on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Be My Escape" is also featured on Now! 19, a popular secular and quasi-annual compilation series. The music video for "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been," also from Mmhmm, has also made its way onto the TRL countdown.

In early June 2005, the band was featured on MTV's 10 Spot Drop, which gave the band a boost in its popularity.

Line-up changes

Drummer Stephen Cushman left the band after they recorded their self-titled LP. Dave Douglas then became a permanent member.

In 2004, it was announced that bassist Brian Pittman was leaving the group to start a landscaping company. His departure came after recording for mmhmm had been completed. He is now in a hardcore rock band called Inhale Exhale.

In 2005, Relient K gained two new members: Jonathan Schneck and John Warne. Warne was the lead singer for Ace Troubleshooter, and Schneck had been a backup guitarist with Audio Adrenaline.

The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind

In 2004, Relient K released a book entitled The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind. It deals with the female problems that have plagued the life of their biggest fan Chris Douglas. In it, the band gives advice on the opposite sex through personal experience, stereotypes, and Biblical advice—presented in the fun attitude found in their music. The title of the book is taken from the last line of the song "Mood Rings," which is found on their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.

Discography

Albums

• Relient K, 2000 (Gotee)
• The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, 2001 (Gotee)
• Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do, 2003 (Gotee)—certified gold
• Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, 2003 (Gotee)
• Mmhmm, 2004 (Capitol/Gotee)—certified gold

EPs

• All Work and No Play, 1998
• 2000 A.D.D., 2000 (Gotee)
• The Creepy EP, 2001 (Gotee)
• Employee of the Month EP, 2002 (Gotee)
• The Vinyl Countdown (Vinyl 7") 2003 (Mono vs Stereo)
• Apathetic EP, (November 8, 2005) (Capitol/Gotee)

External Links

• Official Relient K website
• Official Relient K MySpace
• Relient K Lyrics