It isn't every day a punk band appears on the Christian music scene. In a time when a host of musicians offer an alternative to what seems to be nearly every mainstream act, there appears to be almost a complete absence in the upbeat pop punk category. Enter Last Tuesday. Although the band was founded in 1999 and has released three previous efforts, Resolve is their first project on Mono vs Stereo Records (aka MVS). With six years of experience under their belts, this trio of guys seems ready to take the Message outside of the church walls.

From the start of Resolve, Last Tuesday isn't ashamed to boast its strong punk leanings. With Relient K's Matt Thiessen on board as a co-producer, alongside Joe Marlett, it's no surprise these guys hold tightly to the sound that separates them from the majority of Christian music's leading artists. Unfortunately, such clinging to one particular sound can come across as running out of creativity before a record is finished. This is where the main problem lies. When the album begins with "Have You Seen Me," it sounds as if the tune is repeated shortly down the way with "Beat Dependent." Of course, fans of straight up punk will enjoy a record flowing up to the brim with this certain genre.

Throughout the record's twelve tracks, in which most clock in at about three minutes, comparisons to the work of Relient K, minus the distinctive vocals of Matt Thiessen, are almost inevitable. Interestingly enough, the programmed sounds in the intro of Last Tuesday's "Today was Long" bear similarities to the post chorus musical interlude of Relient K's "More than Useless." Vocally, lead singer Steve G. is quite comparable to Hawk Nelson's Jason Dunn with a hint of Falling Up's Jessy Ribordy. From there, Last Tuesday lyrically tackle issues such as the problems in compromising your beliefs ("All These Things"), and personal failure ("Everything So Far"). Dependence on Christ alone is a theme that runs through the record with "Beat Dependent" and the title track, which create the album's most relevant material.

Resolve is a strong statement of who Last Tuesday is both musically and lyrically. Though it seems this trio still has a good amount of growing to do, this record will be satisfying to those who are already "established" fans of bands such as Relient K or for those simply looking for something a bit different.

- Review date: 5/21/05, written by Lauren Summerford