Brian Pittman left the band

The group headed to Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee , to record their fourth studio album, Mmhmm . However, shortly before Mmhmm ‘ s release, longtime bassist Brian Pittman left the band, citing that he was tired of touring and wanted to start a landscaping company. Matt Thiessen announced Pittman’s departure in fall 2004, saying: “After almost seven years of being in Relient K, our cherished and lifelong friend, Brian Pittman has decided to move on to other things. That IS crazy, huh? Brian decided to leave the band in June, so we’ve had plenty of time to let the initial shock die down. We’re aware that a lot of you already knew, so we apologize for not announcing this sooner. There were many reasons. He thought long and hard about his decision, and he came to the conclusion that he would like to do other things than play bass for the band […] We want to thank Brian for all the years he gave the band. You’re the best, buddy.” Pittman still received credits for his contribution on the album. He would join Christian metal band Inhale Exhale shortly afterward. Pittman reunited with the band for one final show, which was the release party for Mmhmm at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio , on November 1, 2004. John Warne , lead singer and guitarist of Ace Troubleshooter , filled in as bassist for the remainder of 2004 and became full-time bassist in 2005. Also in 2005, Jon Schneck joined as a third guitarist, as well as a banjo and bell player to create a fuller, more distinctive sound. That was because the band planned to add more piano and having another guitarist gave Matt Thiessen the freedom to do that.