Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Relient K
Apathetic EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 7 tracks
Street Date: November 8, 2005


Continuing the tradition begun with The Creepy EP and furthered with Employee of the Month, Relient K has readied the release of a "middle disc" between full length projects. This time, it's entitled Apathetic EP, named not only because of the track "Apathetic Way to Be" contained herein, but also because of the overtly melancholy tone most of the disc takes. The album cover furthers the notion, with a dark backdrop and the sun being covered by rain clouds. So the pensive mood is set from the start, but how does the actual album fair?

The album begins with the new single, "The Truth." A hint of difference from the sound of mmhmm is evident, but almost undetectable. It would be safe to say that if would have fit nicely on mmhmm. It's fast and catchy and has the word "hit" written all over it. Lyrically, it deals with our inability at times to believe The truth that we are intellectually inept, and just need to hand our lives over to God.

Originally released on the vinyl version of mmhmm through Mono Vs. Stereo, "Apathetic Way to Be" follows after the lead track. Whereas "The Truth" has a bit more meat to it, "Apathetic Way to Be" (as you can guess from the title) is a bit more fun and witty. "Half of me is all about apathy, and the other half just doesn't care," Matt Thiessen sings as he tells of our generation's willingness to disregard rather than commit to anything.

With the more upbeat portion of the album finished, the EP moves into three acoustic tracks. "Be My Escape" and "Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet?" from mmhmm, and "Overthinking" from Two Left Don't Make a Right… but Three Do. All three are masterfully executed. Thiessen's voice is haunting on the stripped down versions, and it makes you wish they would try the idea more often.

Next up is a song actually inspired by C. S. Lewis' classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, entitled "In Like A Lion (Always Winter)." Perhaps it was turned down for the upcoming film's soundtrack? Possibly, but it is a pleasant song with a cheery Christmas aura to it. Not too fast, but not too slow, it relates the tale of the book to the reality that God is always with us.

The EP finished with "The Thief," which showed up not too long ago on Matt Thiessen and the Earthquakes' Pure Volume page online. It consists of nothing more than Thiessen and his piano. And in typical Earthquake style, the song is an ode to broken love. It clocks in at just over two minutes and feels strangely short. It's a nice song, but just seems the slightest bit out of place, even considering that it complies with the overall mood of the project.

It has been a year since mmhmm released, and fans that have worn out that disc now have one more to sink their teeth into. Relient K has yet to do anything that has not exceedingly impressed me, and Apathetic EP is no exception. With it, they prove they are capable of balancing depth with catchy hooks and happy tunes with acoustic swagger. Fans of the boys from Canton, Ohio cannot go wrong with this latest edition to the Relient K library.

- Review date: 11/09/05, written by Josh Taylor

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Gotee Records
. Album length: 7 tracks
. Street Date: November 8, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. The Truth
  2. Apathetic Way To Be
  3. Be My Escape (acoustic)
  4. Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet
    (acoustic)
  5. Over Thinking (acoustic)
  6. In Like A Lion (Always Winter)
  7. The Thief
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images