Relient K

mmhmm

Gotee Records

The latest effort from Gotee's pop-punk band Relient K shows a trend to a more commercial album that's reaching for crossover mainstream attention. Relient K has grown (in popularity and maturity) and changes were incremental with each album. As the band grows though, I'm not sure all their fans have grown with them.

So with that in mind, they may lose a few of their alumni listeners that preferred the whit and humor. With the same stroke, they will certainly gain listeners through their new deal with Capitol. “mmhmm” is a good pop-rock album. The lyrics are more sophisticated, and it's a huge adjustment from their earlier days. I keep thinking of bands like the Goo Goo Dolls who were just good enough to make it, but really didn't offer anything original. Relient K could just be morphing into obscurity as they blend into the mainstream.

- Ken W.