Music Review: Relient K, Collapsible Lung

I’ve been spending some time lately going back to old music I used to listen to when I was a kid. While most of it is Christian contemporary and punk music, there’s definitely some gems in there. Most of these bands are still going, and there’s been a lot of changes for many of them. Relient K is one of those bands, and after six records, they’ve outlasted many in their genre, and still manage to stay relevant. Their seventh full-length, Collapsible Lung, just released and showcases a bit of a different band than what most of us might be used to.

First off, none of the songs on Collapsible Lung are reminiscent of the old Relient K that most fans will be looking forward to hearing. Where Forget and Not Slow Down was more folk-minded and gave the band a more independent feel, the new album sounds much more polished and produced. While sonically it may sound great, the songs don’t do much to further RK’s career as a top pop/punk band. “If I Could Take You Home” (an electronic ballad of sorts) and “Can’t Complain” are clear misses, and the latter is more of a cutesy, annoying tune makes you realize that Thiessen may have finally run out of song ideas. This record also marks the first time the songwriter has co-wrote with other authors, and the technique sadly didn’t seem to help. These tracks sound more like Thiessen’s solo type songs, but not as deep and and much more superficial. 

Collapsible Lung isn't the record RK fans have been waiting for.

“Don’t Blink” is the opener and rightfully so, as both it and “Boomerang” are the closest it looks like we’re going to get to the more rock-tinged tracks this time around. They’re followed by another stand out track, “Lost Boy”, featuring a fun and lighthearted chorus that fits in perfectly for radio. “PTL” is also more catchy than most on the record, and features some of Thiessen’s better vocals from Collapsible Lung. “Disaster” showcases RK channeling their inner Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, but works more as a jam-style, sound-effect riddled monstrosity that features simple hooks and sadly, more forgettable lyrics. “When You Were My Baby” is a bit more accessible, with some acoustic guitar-picking and a more catchy melody, while “Sweeter” is trying to accomplish something from the Forget and Not Slow Down sessions, but never gets there. The slow melody and back porch style doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the record, and feels like there’s something missing, like Theissen’s more creative songwriting. The title track is strong and fits for RK, with a solid alternative punk drive and matches Theissen’s higher vocal style, ending the album on a high note fortunately. 

In the end, Collapsible Lung sounds like an attempt to make Relient K relevant for today’s music and style, with elements of electronic synth and simplistic songwriting, on top of an attempt at catchy hooks. There’s a handful of goodness here, but that’s all it is. Here’s hoping that this isn’t the last we’ll hear from the K Car punk rockers, because it’s a rather disappointing outing.

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