It’s the early 2000’s and Pop-Punk popularity was at an all-time high. And, of course, Blink 182 was leading the charge.
With huge hits like “All The Small Things”, “What’s My Age Again,” and “Adam’s Song” making waves in the pop-punk scene, Blink 182 was one of the biggest bands of the y2k era.
If you’re looking for a lot of that same punk energy but with a more wholesome message, we’re going to be diving into some Christian bands that sound a lot like Blink 182.
Relient K
Christian Pop Punk’s Heavy Hitters
Formed in 1998 in Ohio, United States, Relient K was made up of three high school students, Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes, and Brian Pittman. The three friends met in church in Canton, Ohio, and, sharing a love for Christian Pop Punk and Rock music, began writing songs together.
The band was humorously named after Hoopes’s car, a Chrysler Reliant K, with the name intentionally misspelled to avoid any trademark infringement.
Relient K began performing at a local coffee shop, and because they each went to a different school, they had a wide circle of friends to invite to their shows.
At their second show, as many as 200 kids showed up! They explain that growing up in a small town, there wasn’t a lot to do, so these shows were really exciting for the youth.
Relient K’s music is filled with fast beats, punchy guitars, and a lot of quirky and humorous lyrics that have reference to spirituality as well as pop culture.
The band was initially discovered by a member of DC Talk, Mark Townsend, who was the father of Hoopes’s girlfriend.
In 2000, he produced the band’s self-titled debut album and also introduced the band to the Christian label that signed them, Gotee Records.
Relient K had a very successful career, selling over 2 million records and achieving Gold certification by the RIAA for three albums.
Some other highlights include:
- Their 2004 album “Mmhmm” debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 100, an almost unheard of feat for a Christian band
- “Five Score and Seven Years Ago” and “Forget and Not Slow Down” peaking at No. 6 and 15 on the Billboard 200 respectively.
FM Static
A Side Project From Heaven
Formed in 2003 in Toronto, Canada, FM Static sounds like pop-punk heaven and is often compared to Blink 182. With their accessible lyrics and melodies, fizzy guitars, and cracking drums, it’s no wonder.
FM Static’s music is filled with relatable teenage nostalgia and feeling, pulling you into the writer’s world of school, relationships and spirituality.
The duo consists of Trevor McNevan on vocals and guitar and Steve Augustine on drums, and was formed as a side project for Thousand Foot Krutch. The original lineup consisted of four members, with John Bunner on guitars and Justin Smith on bass.
FM Static released their debut album on Tooth & Nail Records in 2003 titled “What Are You Waiting For?”.
The album was produced by Aaron Sprinkles, who also produced some of Thousand Foot Krutch’s work. It was a success with hit singles “Definitely Maybe”, “Something to Believe In”, and “Crazy Mary”.
FM Static followed the release with a nationwide tour and quickly became a household name in Christian Pop Punk.
Other excellent albums by FM Static:
- “Critically Ashamed”, the band’s second full-length album, released in 2006
- “Dear Diary” in 2009
- “My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go!” in 2011.
Stellar Kart
All Gas and No Brakes on the Pop Punk Front
With heartfelt and catchy lyrics, plucky guitars, and driving drums, their pop-punk energy invited critical acclaim and drew similarities to all-time greats, Blink 182.
A particular favorite is their rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” off their debut album. It’s full of energy and all the pop-punk charisma you could ask for, and even includes a soaring key change towards the end.
Stellar Kart was formed in 2001 in Pheonix Arizona, by Adam Agee, Jordan Messer, Tay Sitera, and Cody Pellerin. The friends were part of a youth group, with Adam and Jordan leading worship and Tay joining in on weekends. Tay was replaced after their first album by Brian Calcara.
The band released their debut album “All Gas, No Brake” on Word Records and had some singles crack it on CCM radio. However, Stellar Kart’s breakout Year happened in 2006, when they released their follow-up album, “We Can’t Stand Sitting Down”.
Some highlights for the band include:
- “Me and Jesus”, the lead single from the album, went on to number one on the Hot Christian Songs chart, as well as winning them a 2007 Dove Award.
- The band went on to sign to Inpop Records, and the success spring-boarded them into a headlining tour, along with groups like Run Kid Run and Eleventyseven.
Stellar Kart followed up with ” Expect the Impossible” in 208 and “Everything is Different Now” in 2010.
Hawk Nelson
Name Changes and Pop Punk Euphoria
With positive melodies and messaging, driving guitars, and lyrics that fill you with teenage nostalgia, it’s no wonder Hawk Nelson is a go-to when looking for a Blink 182 soundalike.
High energy, impactful songwriting, and a buoyant, lighthearted tone make Hawk Nelson a thoroughly enjoyable band to listen to. They also have a softer, more acoustic side which is also very reminiscent of Blink 182.
Hawk Nelson was originally formed in 2001 by Jason Dunn, David Clark, and Matt Paige under the name SWISH. Daniel Biro joined the band in 2002 and the band changed their name to “Reason Being”, and then in 2003, the band changed their name again to “Hawk Nelson”.
Hawk Nelson is also from Canada – Peterborough, Ontario to be exact. The same city as FM Static who are also on this list.
Hawk Nelson performed independently for a while until FM Static’s lead singer, Trevor McNevan, recommended Tooth & Nail Records sign them. McNevan is actually credited with discovering the band.
In 2004, Hawk Nelson released their debut album titled “Letters to the President”. The album was co-produced and written by Aaron Sprinkle (who also produced some of FM Static’s work) and McNevan. McNevan even featured on some of the songs as well as their “California music video.
In February 2006, Hawk Nelson was voted “Favorite New Artist” by CCM Magazine, a big publication in Christian Music circles in America.
Noteworthy achievement’s for Hawk Nelson include:
- The band continued to gain popularity, and their second album offering, “Smile, It’s the End of the World” was released on April 4th, 2006. The album was a huge success and won a GMA Canada Covenant Award for “Modern Rock/Alternative Album” of the Year.
- “Smile, It’s the End of the World”s lead single, “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted” grew to No. 1 for nine whole weeks on the R&R Christian CHR chart, being the 4th most played song of the entire year.
- On April 1st, 2008, Hawk Nelson released their third studio album, “Hawk Nelson is My Friend” with the album later being nominated for a Grammy in 2009.
The band went on to release their fourth album, “Live Life Loud” on September 22, 2009, and their fifth album, “Crazy Love” on February 8th, 2011.
If you’re also a fan of heavy metal, check out our article about Christian bands that sound like Metallica.