Relient K is a Christian rock 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

• Todd Frescone – drums (1997-1998)
• Stephen Cushman – drums, background vocals (1998–1999)
• Jared Byers – drums (1999-2000)
• Brian Pittman – bass guitar (1998–2004)

Evolution of sound

Although Relient K's first CD, All Work and No Play, reached very little commercial success, it caught the attention of dc Talk's Toby McKeehan. After he signed the band to his label, Gotee Records, Relient K released their very brief debut entitled 2000 A.D.D. EP in 2000. Later that year, they released Relient K, their first self-titled CD. It was distinctly Christian rock and featured lyrics with a wide range of pop-culture references.

In 2001, the

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 multiple 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 Award 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

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"), but more hardrock in others (Which to bury, us or the hatchet) 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, and many top 40 radio stations.

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

The band has recently stated that it is recording for a new full-length record, aimed for a release sometime in the fall of 2006.

Line-up changes

• Drummer Stephen Cushman left the band after they recorded their self-titled LP. David Douglas then became a permanent member.
• In 2004, bassist Brian Pittman left the group to start a landscaping company. His departure came after recording for Mmhmm had been completed.
• 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 for 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. It is full of things that are applicable to guys and girls. 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

EPs

Compilations

Relient k