The title sums up this CD perfectly: String Quartet Tribute to Relient K features some violins, violas and a whole lot of computer wizardry to bring you all-instrumental versions of songs by Christian punk's finest. Strange? Certainly. But considering how many "String Quartet" CD's are in existence, someone is buying these. Capturing Relient K at the height of their popularity is not a bad idea.
Much like the band itself, the songs covered are definitely of the hit and miss variety. "Sadie Hawkins Dance" is almost as catchy as the original and "Be My Escape" actually builds on the melody created by Relient K and expands on it. However, too many tracks seem like they were constructed by a sugar-addled grade-schooler let loose on his Casio Keyboard after watching "Amadeus" one too many times.
Also, outside of Relient K's few hit singles, a lot of tracks start to sound nothing like their source material. "Pressing On" might as well have been played in church and several others sound like Irish drinking songs.
While some may find this disc pleasant reading music and die-hard Relient K fans may buy a copy after they stumble onto a discounted one in the back of Sam Goody, those not considering a career in keyboards should steer clear.
Grade: C
This article was published in The Marquette Tribune on October 6, 2005.
