Hawk Nelson
Letters to the President
Tooth and nail Records
14 tracks @ 39:29

After listening to this disk for the first time, both my wife and I said “They sound just like Reliant K.” Beyond their pop-punk sound (a musical moniker that strikes me as an oxymoron), the band makes ingenious use of a toy piano on “From Underneath.” “Recess,” while tracking in at less than 50 seconds, is one of the better rock instrumentals that I’ve heard in awhile.

Does the band have anything to say? “California” is about moving to that state because “we’ll never get bored cause we can go boarding.” Deep, huh? But “Letters to the President” is a rather bold statement about not ignoring our youth and providing them with the appropriate resources to grow up.

“Right Here” and “Take Me” have spiritual themes but float on the generic side. “Take me under your wings tonight. Make me perfect in Your sight.”

This record rocks, but let’s wait and see if the band’s lyrics exhibit growth.

- Rob S.