The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek [Enhanced]

1	Kick-Off 0:38
2	Pressing On 3:29
3	Sadie Hawkins Dance 2:57
4	Down in Flames 4:08
5	Maybe Its Maybeline 3:14
6	Breakdown 3:45
7	Those Words Are Not Enough 4:39
8	For the Moments I Feel Faint 3:47
9	Lion Wilson 0:35
10	I'm Lion-O 2:55
11	What Have You Been Doing Lately? 3:23
12	May the Horse Be with You 2:17
13	My Way or the Highway... 3:47
14	Breakfast at Timpani's 0:22
15	The Rest Is Up to You 4:04
16	Failure to Excommunicate 3:36
17	Less Is More 9:33
18	[Untitled Track] CD-ROM Track

Barnes & Noble

This punk-influenced band dishes up fluffy, fun rock with a nice Christian message targeting teens. Their sound is rooted in pounding drums, heavy guitar riffs, sweet harmonies, and lead singer Matt Thiessen's run-on vocal phrasing. The Canton, Ohio-based foursome finds a niche with its quirkier tunes, and as the album's name implies, Tongue in Cheek is full of them. While songs like "Sadie Hawkins Dance," "May the Horse Be with You," and "Breakfast at Timpani's" will undoubtedly resonate with the band's teen fans, Relient K isn't afraid to take a stand when it counts. "Down in Flames" turns a critical eye on the Christian community, while "Less Is More" offers an unexpected tender prayer. Many of the 17 tracks run together in a blaze of head-banging punk-rock -- sometimes, less really is more -- but when four guys are having this much fun, it's barely worth quibbling over. Lisa Zhito

All Music Guide

Relient K, named after guitarist Matt Hoopes' well-worn and battered Reliant K car, released their sophomore album, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, in August 2001. The Gotee label artists -- with members Matt Hoopes, Matthew Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Stephen Cushman -- combine the styles of ska and punk, resembling the sound of groups such as MxPx and the O.C. Supertones. The highly energetic band, who once intended on leading worship, offer socially relevant topics communicated in understandable language. Geared toward teenagers and young adults, the pop culture references in tracks including "Sadie Hawkins Dance" and "Maybe Its Maybeline" are quickly identifiable and immediately grasp the listener's attention. Definite highlights include the acoustic "For the Moments I Feel Faint" and "The Rest Is Up to You." [This edition features enhanced content on CD-ROM.] ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide