Mission Statement:
The Wedding's primary priority
is to communicate with their fan base, on both the musical level and a spiritual
level, expressing their commitment to their faith and hope through their songs.
As The Wedding express and entertain the listener
with their unique sound found in their music, they will also deliver a message
of healing and forgiveness in Christ.
Kevin Kiehn explains "We stand up for what we believe in,
which is mainly our faith. We're just four guys who face a lot of
the same stuff everyone our age does, but we can turn to a faith
that's not of this world to deal with it. We want to provide a path
to hope for this generation and let them know that there's a God
they can relate to."
Trevor Sarver declares, "We just want to be so honest with
our fans and just people in general and let them know that Christ
loves them and there's always bumps in the road, but if you just
call on Christ, he’ll take care of it. Christians a lot of the time
get too scared to say something or uphold what they know is right,
so they rebel from what Christ calls them to do… but in all actuality,
when you strip everything down…"
"JESUS IS THE MOST PUNK ROCK THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO THE WORLD.
The guy went against everything and freakin died for it. Bottom
line."
General Overview of THE WEDDING and their debut CD, THE WEDDING:
The Wedding Members: Trevor Sarver (guitar), Kevin Kiehn (vocals
& Keys), Cody Driggers (bass), and Clint Robinson (drums). Their
ages range from late teens to early 20 something's, and their music
is precocious for such a young group of performers and song writers,
who each bring their own unique gifts to contribute to their songs
on their new CD, THE WEDDING. They have just begun evolving and
growing their sound, music and message in their Christian music
ministry. It is this reviewer's opinion that they are off to a terrific
start!
Their music, described as being an interesting blend of "Crunching
Rock, Punk, Indie & EMO," offers a menu of spirited songs which
can be described as being a refreshing blast to a poignant flowing
of well-played energy, musicianship, melody, and message.
Besides their energy and drive, interesting melodies, and messages,
some other characteristics of their music which make this reviewer's
heart soar like a hawk are the interesting musical compositions
one hears, (counter melodies / rhythms/ rifts). I especially appreciate
the precise, always together, sometimes pounding, sometimes delicate
guitar melody / rhythms and support chords, whether on the beat
or in syncopation. Also most enjoyable is the use of the piano in
the songs, especially the flowing worship ballads, as solo work
and in a blend of guitar work as well in such cuts as(PRICE FOR
LOVE, BUT A BREATH & BLEEDING FOR HOPE); songs which would find
a home in contemporary worship services.
The strong vocals are on key and very clear in diction, despite
the vocal style being used - whether punk, rock, screamo; (see MOVE
THIS CITY Bridge) or melodious. Backup vocals and harmonies are
also well done. They also use dynamics effectively and a variety
of artistic creativity in their compositions to add sparkle, nuances
via guitar rifts, and other instrumental embellishments.
No monotony problem is found in their music, which has been my
main stumbling block in the past in being able to wrap my mind around
the original pure punk sound. It is indeed a wonderful mix of "Crunching
Rock, Punk, Indie & EMO", which support and elevate the lyrical
messages of their songs.
All of their efforts come together so nicely and so effectively
to not only present their own unique form of music, but also express
so well their own faith and hope in Christ, in sometimes subtle
ways that are appealing to their young fan base and others, and
have been a starting point for discussions about Jesus with their
fans who come to their concerts.
This reviewer is now going to explore this band, their background,
their music and their messages in more detail for our readers!
About THE WEDDING BAND MEMBERS
Any Scriptures which inspire you personally as Christian music
artists?
Jeremiah 1: 1-9
Trevor Sarver answered, "For me personally (Trevor) I love
Jeremiah. He just looked at God and said, lord how in the world
will I go and speak…I’m only a youth, and God said, no don’t worry
I’m going to use you to take over the nations. I love that book
of the bible cuz we’re all still teenagers and really young and
there’s not really anyone else this young doing what we’re doing
at the pace we’re doing it at and sometimes its intimidating but
we know for sure that Christ is right there along side of us using
us to take over the nations even though we’re only youth."
Their Background.......
It is always interesting to see how the Lord uses an artist's faith,
musical gifts and opportunities through family, church and community
to build a person's ability to be successful in a Christian music
ministry for the Lord.
The spiritual seeds of their Christian faith were planted early
in all of their respective lives. All four members of THE WEDDING
were blessed with a Christian-growing environment provided by both
their believing families and their respective church families in
Arkansas.
Trevor Sarver, Kevin Kiehn and Clint Robinson share with ChristianMusic.com,
about their growing up years and their early training. Trevor Sarver
shares, "In our early life stages we all grew up in Christian
homes, I myself (Trevor Sarver) AM a pastor’s kid. So I was always
in church and all that. The other guys have extremely Christian
based families and we’ve all been raised to love Christ with our
lives which is what we’re trying to do with this music thing also."
Kevin shares;
"Well, I was raised in a Christian home like you usually hear from a lot
of Christians, and yes I believe I was blessed to have that. I was home schooled
until my 8th grade year, then I went to a private Christian school where I finished
out my high school years. I'm the oldest of 6 kids, most of whom are still home
schooled by my hard working mother. I have a great relationship with my family
and always have. They are very supportive of what I do and you really need that
in this business."
Trevor continues, "We
all found the Lord early in life and each had a time when we just confessed to
Him “God, I need you, come into my life and change me.”
Kevin
explains his experience by saying, "I accepted Christ when I was very young.
When I was 6 years old I accepted Christ into my heart without the aid of a pastor
or even my parents. I just knew in my heart that he was calling me and I responded.
So right there in my backyard on my swing set I decided to make an eternal commitment
to Jesus Christ. Now because of how young I was when I accepted Christ, there
have been times in my life when I doubted my salvation. However, I believe now
that that was just Satan getting to me. I believe that I had the faith of a child
that day and that's all God needs is the faith of the child. The Bible says that
without that kind of faith you can't enter the kingdom of heaven."
Clint
Robinson shares his family's support of his faith and his musical gifts, and how
he, Kevin and Cody were introduced to music ministry as teenagers.
"Well,
I started playing piano when I was 7, then when I got in to middle school I joined
band. Through high school I played percussion and competed in various regional,
state, and national competitions. Along with my family’s support I was able to
receive lessons from some great professors in percussion."
Clint continues, "In junior high, me and Kevin and Cody started playing in
a worship band together that led at our church’s bus ministry, We continued to
play in the bus ministry 'til we were out of high school. Our senior year me and
Kevin started playing with Trevor and then later Cody started playing with us
as well, and then we became The Wedding."
Clint reflects on the value of this early ministry experience. "I think bus
ministry has a lot to do with preparing us for the roll God had for us. Playing
for kids who didn’t have anything, and just being able to invest and love those
kids who were unloved. I see now how much it prepared me, and each night we play
its just habit to talk to the kids and see what’s going on in their lives."
Trevor Sarver, Kevin
Kiehn, Cody Driggers and
Clint Robinson, having just themselves gone through the
teenage years and are still experiencing young adulthood, can easily relate to
the challenges facing youth and young adults in our society, and have expressed
beautifully their experiences and what they learned through their music, which
in turn speaks to their listeners.
For despite
their strong Christian roots and belief system, THE WEDDING band members didn't
escape the trials, tribulations and challenges of experiencing the teenage years,
though they had the spiritual training & relationship with Jesus and their
own families to rise to meet challenges and also in some instances get back on
the right track.
Trevor comments, "Everyone
has their hard times though, I personally have had extra hard times."
It
isn't always easy being a PK (preacher's kid), and Trevor Sarver shares his ups
and downs, specifically his struggle with the sometimes irresistible desire to
"fit in" with the crowd, and also perhaps a little with rebellion. Both
are challenges that many teens are tempted by in their quest to become independent
from parents.
Trevor explains, "I
just strayed away from Christ a lot as a teen and got into stupid stuff that wasn’t
cool at all. Mainly just peer pressure. The rest of the guys kept their head on
straight for sure. God’s an incredible God if you just make sure that you love
him with all your heart mind and soul and let him teach you new things every day."
It is a powerful tool in keeping on a personal
walk with the Lord if one has a Christian support system and a fellowship with
other Christians, as well as a consistent quiet time with Jesus, as illustrated
in the answers Christianmusic.com received from the band to our question below.
What
were/ and still are your Spiritual Influences?
Trevor
reflects, "Wow, influences…Um spiritually I do know that we all as a band
look up to our parents for spiritual guidance all the time. Obviously we look
to Christ, but probably parents second. A lot of the time we look to each other
and our pastors at home at the churches we all go to. There’s so many people that
you meet that you tour with who become spiritual accountability partners too.
We all have so many friends who just randomly call us and want to know how we’re
doing spiritually and that totally influences us."
Clint
explains, "My parents definitely have helped me keep it real, a lot of times
when kids get out of high school and on their own, they tend to start going down
roads they were raised not to go down, but the way my parents invested in my life
kept me away from all that."
Kevin -
"As far as influences go, since I was raised in a conservative home schooled
home, and I'm not dogging that in anyway, but because of that, the music I listened
to was very limited. At the time my parents believed that their kids should only
listen to Christian music, but not just Christian music, music that was more praise
oriented. And I am thankful for that because in a lot of ways that has made me,
as a vocalist, have a lot different mindsets as maybe others wouldn’t have".
Growing up, What were your collective musical
influences?
Trevor explains, "Musically…
we have such a range on musical influences from just straight up punk rock like
rancid, (old) mxpx, operation ivy, the ramones, the decendents. All the way to
western like Johnny Cash, Meral Haggard, and then also hard-core and metal bands
then also stuff from back in the day…the cure, the police, u2 and all kinds of
stuff. With 4 guys in a band that all love different stuff, there’s a pretty good
variety going!"
Clint shares, "One
of my biggest influences in hi school was Further Seems Forever. 3 years ago I
saw them for the first time at Cornerstone and its was the best 45 minutes of
my life. And what rules about that, is this was our first year to play cornerstone,
and we played the same stage I saw Further Seems Forever on for the first time."
Kevin
reflects, " I got into the music scene a lot
later than other kids and all of the influences that I have are actually just
in the last 5 years. Most of the bands still tour and I don't really have any
legendary musicians that I draw inspiration from. However, there a couple front
men that I really look up to. The vocalist for Sinai Beach (I think that's how
you spell it) really touches my heart with his testimony every time I see them."
ChristianMusic.com:
How were you led by the Lord to use your musical gifts to write and sing songs?
Clint
reflects, "We just knew it, right out of high school we felt it, we knew
exactly what God wanted from us, and looking back it’s so amazing it actually
worked out."
Kevin explains, "I've
been in one band or another since I was in 8th or 9th grade. And I've been singing,
or whatever, since I was a little kid. I’ve always known that God was going to
use me in music. I honestly had no doubt in my mind. I didn't know that I’d be
blessed with doing exactly what I wanted to do musically but God has a way of
blessing you when you give Him control and let Him decide what you're going to
do."
Trevor shares, "Man, we always
had a song in our heart. That’s for sure. We always loved music and loved Christ.
And if you REALLY love Christ then you’ll take everything you have and devote
it to showing people how freakin real he is and how he offers a peace that’s just
insanely amazing. But we aren’t gonna go and shove it in someone's face, we’re
just here to put it out there and if you want it, cool. And if you don’t, that’s
fine also. Its their decision."
Trevor
continues, "When we started this band a while back, we knew EXACTLY what
we needed to do. That was to be a legit band that tells it how it is, but not
in some cheesy way. Not saying that’s bad, just saying that’s the way we personally
feel called to say it. God’s given us a mountain to scream what we believe from,
and the day we quit screaming from it is the day we’re dead."
Trevor
summarizes, "So all in all, we were led to lead music by just loving it and
then knowing that if it’s what we wanted to do, then we were gonna do it for Christ
in a real way with respect for ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE even if they don’t choose to
believe it too. With us believing it, and them not, doesn’t make us any better
or worse than them, we’re all just people, we’re just trying to share the happiness
we have and meeting so many awesome people along the way."
Trevor
Sarver, Kevin Kiehn, Cody
Driggers and Clint Robinson
all realize that how they live their lives and their behavior
reflects to the world around them, especially their fans the band's belief in
Jesus and the Christian way of life. It is true that Christians are scrutinized
and held to a higher level of behavior, even though Christians aren't perfect,
just forgiven.
In answering the following question,
Trevor, Kevin and Clint offer what they have learned so far in their walk with
the Lord.
ChristianMusic.com: Any life-molding
experiences you all would like to share with us, which were uplifting or were
difficult but shaped your thinking, you music, your outlook, your spiritual walk?
Trevor
thoughtfully comments, "Man, our lives up to this point are just molding
experiences. Every day we have something new that we take in and try to help mold
us to be closer to God. Our producer/A&R rep Mark Townsend is definitely a 'molder'
if you will. He is always keeping us grounded always reminding us that if we just
love Christ, then everything will fall right where its supposed to. So he would
definitely be an uplifting molding experience that we just so happen get to experience
every time we’re around him."
Trevor
Sarver expresses some frustration which exists in the Christian music industry
community, because of people with spiritual conflicts in their lives aren't willing
or able to work on it, thus offering an example of living which isn't a good witness
to being a Christian, giving the secular world an excuse to deride Christianity.
"It rough being out in a “Christian”
market too. I mean, lets get real…Christians have problems but it drives me insane
when people understand they have a major life altering spiritual problem and don’t
do anything about it. And there’s so many people like that in this industry. I’m
not perfect, never have been, never will be. But I’m just saying that in this
little “Christian bubble” call the “industry” people need to realize that people
see the way a lot of them are really living and they’re bashing our Christ’s name
from that. That would be an experience that is difficult but at the same time,
you just gotta learn from your mistakes."
Clint
shares some important values he has learned in his life, "Integrity, being
able to say no to what you are offered, not doing things even if you think they
are ok, but realize that they would discourage and disappoint others. Live a life
without compromise, striving for the perfection and purity Christ showed. Always
be aware of who you’re around and how your actions could affect their outlook
on Jesus Christ, Cause as Christians we are called to represent Christ and His
love."
Kevin reflects, "I've led
a pretty mellow life. I haven't really gotten into anything crazy. I've never
had someone really close to me die. I've never had any traumatic experiences.
Pretty much the big task for me is to try to see everyday as something special.
Even though we're doing what we love, sometimes each day can seem the same and
we can get really complacent as Christians. But we just have to realize that God
has a plan for every day and that every day can be something new and exciting."
THE WEDDINGS MUSICAL JOURNEY
As
stated above, Trevor Sarver, Kevin Kiehn, Cody Driggers
and Clint Robinson started to express their love and gift for music in their preteen
years. In junior high, they started off playing music in junior high in garage
bands, playing in their various garages with the support of their understanding
families.
Kevin
Kiehn, Cody Driggers and Clint Robinson called their
band, LAST PLACE, which morphed into the band UNKNOWN. As UNKNOWN, they began
to play gigs out in the community, not just for their circle of family and friends.
They often opened for the local popular band, EASIER SAID, where they met Trevor
Sarver, the guitarist for EASIER SAID, who encouraged Kiehn & others in the
UNKNOWN to continue, helping them find opportunities to play. Kevin Kiehn said,
"EASIER SAID band members were a lot more well known and cooler than we were."
In their late high school years, EASIER SAID
had band membership changes, and an opening for a drummer, and Clint Robinson
came on board. About 6 months later, when the other original EASIER SAID members
left, Kevin Kiehn also joined as the bass player, and they became a 3 piece pop/punk
band.
Deciding to go for it on a full time
basis, EASIER SAID, (Trevor Sarver, Clint Robinson
& Kevin Kiehn) went on tour, bringing good friend and fellow musician Cody
Driggers, along as a "roadie" who proved to be valuable, working behind
the scenes and playing bass guitar part time. Because of his musical contributions
to the group, Cody Driggers became the full-time
bass when Kevin Kiehn switched to vocals and keyboard, which was the beginning
of the development of their true musical sound and style. Kevin Kiehn continued
to write lyrics for this new band's original songs, which fit like a glove to
each unique musical composition.
As their music
evolved and solidified into their own unique musical version of indie rock, they
decided to start clean and renamed their foursome THE WEDDING, inspired by the
book of Revelations.
Step by step THE WEDDING
followed the Lord's plan for them. Doors continued to open for them on the tour
scene, as they had the opportunity to open for other well-known Christian bands
such as Bleach, John Reuben, Number One Gun, Anberlin and Spoken.
Impressed
by their musical talent, professionalism, and the quality of their original songs,
Bleach guitar player Sam Barnhart became their mentor and brought THE WEDDING
to Nashville's Dark Horse Studios to make a revised demo under his direction.
While at Dark Horse Studios the band members were introduced to The O.C. Supertones
and well-known and successful producer, Mark Lee Townsend, who produced CDs for
RElient K, dc Talk, Jennifer Knapp.
Mark Lee
Townsend was impressed by THE WEDDING, and helped them mix their new demo and
later passed the demo on to BHT Entertainment, while THE WEDDING went on tour
with O.C. Supertones by their invitation, becoming the O.C. Supertones' opening
band.
Meanwhile, Rambler Records, which is
the "alternative division" of BHT Entertainment were impressed with
THE WEDDING demo and their performances on tour with O.C. Supertones as well.
Soon, they offered THE WEDDING a beginning recording contract, the golden ring
which is dreamed of by many up and coming Christian artists, groups and bands.
In April of 2005, their first CD, THE WEDDING
was released to the delight of their enthusiastic young fans and others who are
young at heart, and open to new creative forms of Christian music.
About
their Music and Lyrics -
"When something
is imprinted on your heart, it needs to be represented in your art." - Trevor
Sarver:
It is always interesting to find out
how artists view their music, so Christianmusic.com asked them, "How would
you describe it?"
Trevor Sarver answered,
"Our music??…Energetic indie rock with punk and hard-core influences…just
good ole rock n’ roll for the masses. Ha ha ha!"
Kevin
- "Energetic, besides that I'll let the listeners decide."
Clint
- "Energetic, fun, Indie rock with punk and hard-core influences. All I can
say is we play the music I love, And I can’t even describe how blessed it feels
to be able to do it every night."
Always
fascinated on how the Holy Spirit and the creative process works uniquely with
each group, Christianmusic.com asked THE WEDDING band members:
"How
do you compose your songs? Do you compose from a keyboard or guitar?Group jam
sessions? Do you split the work - someone does the musical composition and someone
else does the lyrics? - Or what comes first, the lyrics or the melody / composition?"
Kevin
explains their creative process development with Christianmusic.com:
"What
we do is Trevor will usually bring some sort of riff, or chord progression to
practice the rest of us can work with. Then Clint and Cody play along and pretty
much they just play until they hammer down the basis of a song. If we think the
song calls for keys, either me or Clint will write a part for it."
"Then,
after the song structure has been decided, I'll listen to it and write lyrics
and vocal lines. It's pretty much an even split, we all contribute and we all
write our own parts. It comes together really well, I don't think we could write
any other way."
Trevor adds,"We don’t
have a specific way of doing things really, we just all come up with ideas on
the guitar or keys or even just in our heads and then get together and work it
out as a band, then Kevin comes in and puts the lyrics on top of it all. Most
the time he already has the lyrics written."
Clint
also shares, "Well lately, me, Cody and Trevor get together and jam out songs,
get the basic structure down, and then Kevin comes and writes the melody and then
if need be we change some of the music up a bit according to the vocal lines."
This
team work is very much evident in their compositions which support the lyrical
messages, written by Kevin, on this CD! It is obvious that they work well together
in the Spirit, as their collective talent and experiences have come together so
well and so effectively to present this impressive collection of songs to the
listener. They love playing music together, with the focus being on ministering
to young people, helping them by providing songs that explore the experiences
of the young and that explore who Jesus is, how He can be involved in our lives
and having a relationship with Him brings a joy and peace, despite the circumstances
of our lives.
THE WEDDING is still in the
process of growing and evolving as Christian artists. Trevor Sarver shares that
he has been busy between the band's tours, while at home in Arkansas, recording
new ideas for the band's next CD.
"Here
lately I've actually just been writing a ton for the next record with our time
off from the road, even though our 1st record just hit stores, ha ha ha!"
But yeah, I’ve been putting some tracks down in
this guys home studio in Fayetteville Arkansas where we’re from. Just to kinda
have ideas still flowing and keeping the ole brain still churning."
In
the coming years, it will be a pleasure to continue to listen to their music and
see and hear how they evolve in their musical endeavors, as they grow and change
in the process of maturing and evolving musically and spiritually. Though the
music on this CD is aimed at the younger generation to encourage them, I enjoyed
and was blessed by this collection of songs and this CD would add sparkle and
variety to anyone's Christian music library, and I recommend this listening experience.
Spiritual
Content or Messages of Songs - Where they come from.................................
As
people don't live in a vacuum in this world, Christian music artists find that
what they have learned from their own life experiences, guidance from the Holy
Spirit, own spiritual journeys and from those people around them, are great sources
for the spiritual messages / truths found in their songs, which in turn bless
the listener.
This is also true for THE WEDDINGS'
lyricist, Kevin Kiehn.
Kevin shares with ChristianMusic.com,
"When I write the lyrics I take whatever state of life I'm in at that time
and I try to be honest. I try to take life experiences, as you said, and put them
in my lyrics to encourage kids. Its important people know that guys in bands have
the same problems that they do and that we can completely relate."
Trevor
Sarver confirms how Kevin creates the lyrics, which Trevor, the other WEDDING
members and their audience can relate to as well.
"Kevin writes on all kinds of stuff but mainly based on real life scenarios
he’s gone through or seen physically or spiritually. We
sing about so many things God, Life, girls and even just a hint of politics. Christ
is in all 3 of those subjects so why not sing about them? Kevin has a really original
way to do things. He’s EXTREMELY honest in his lyrics spiritually and also with
his songs about past relationships and stuff like that about how there’s turmoil
but by the end of the song its like he’s told a story and how there’s forgiveness
and peace at the end of a relationship gone bad. It’s really cool".
Though
the messages are aimed at the age group of their fan base, others can relate to
them as well. Some of the experiences and truths
explored in the lyrics, do relate to all human beings at one time or another,
though seen through the eyes of a perceptive young person. Some of the messages
apply to all human beings, no matter what their age. The songs which explore Jesus
are universal for all.
Having
Perseverance / initiative in stepping out, running the race - MOVE THIS CITY *
BUT A BREATH
Reaching for Purpose / Dreams
- THIS TIME I'M LEAVING * JOYRIDE * BUT A BREATH
Facing
Death/ difficulties - WAKE THE REGIMENT * 479 HXC (THROUGH THE NIGHT) * ONE EYE
OPEN
Jesus' love for us - PRICE FOR LOVE *
SONG FOR THE BROKEN * BLEEDING FOR HOPE
Facing
Painful loss - ONE EYE OPEN * SONG FOR THE BROKEN
Ending
/ changing relationships / Forgiveness & Peace - MORNING
AIR * WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
Review of the Songs - Words and Music by Trevor Sarver,
Kevin Kiehn, Cody Driggers and Clint Robinson - Posted
with Permission. Songs are copyrighted @2004
* *
* + + MORNING AIR
Lyrics explore the painful
breakup of a relationship and the positive recovery of a once heartsick fellow,
realizing this breakup was for the best.
Musical
Review: A great Indie Rock song with punk elements which gives this CD an exciting
beginning. Driving beat and melody, carried and supported by terrific drum work
and a variety of sharp guitar performances. One hears precise, 16th note action,
counter melody and melody support, nice, fast flowing broken chords; - all which
comes together to provide an energetic composition, perfect for the strong, clear
vocals by Kevin, which express both the pain of a breakup of a relationship and
the positive recovery.
Nice mood and ritard
tempo change at the Bridge. Good buildup through the last run through the chorus.
Related
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:38)
Lyrics:
I
used to hold you close, but now you’re picture frames. They're the closest you
will ever be to me. And I rejoice at our dismissal like I've finally been set
free. And now our pictures drift. They drift farther and farther and farther away
And the pieces of our relationship become nothing more than curbside clutter…than
curbside clutter.
Chorus: So I'll kiss the
morning air and fly away, Fly away from here today, today, today. And I'll kiss
the morning air and fly away, Fly away from here, today!
You
better take a seat, yeah, stay a while I'm about to wear you out And I'm not afraid
to tell you what this is all about Now the world around me is slowly blending
together Like a wheel of colors
Are we so
different you and I? Are we so different you and I? You loved me, and I loved
you not. There's the door don't let it hit you on the way out
Bridge:
I got it all planned out, I'll drive out to the edge of your yard And we'll rip
our tear-drenched photographs apart And watch them drift over the rooftops of
this lonely southern town
Chorus
Hook
Now I don't care, if you cry for an entire year. But by then I hope you can make
your peace…
Chorus
*
* * + + MOVE THIS CITY
Favorite song of this
reviewer! Sends a strong message that being a Christian means getting involved,
using your gifts in places the Lord leads you. Bridge points out to use discernment
to pick battles / ministry and other Christians will be there to help.
Musical
Review: This inspirational rock- punk inspired anthem bolsters one's will to step
out in faith! Love the infectious melody, driving beat, precise energetic guitar
work and admire the crisp syncopation which is so well done and an important part
of the intro and interlude. Listener also picks up vigorous counter melodies which
support the main melody and the stirring Vocals and back up vocals carry the spirit
and message of the song with a professional sound.
Clint's
favorite song. He comments, " I really enjoy “Move This City” Just cause
in short it says take up your cross and follow Christ, you cant wait for some
one else to do it for you, If you want to have and impact on your city, your state,
your country, the world, You got to step up and do it, Go into the battle field
and you’ll find your fellow brothers and sisters right their with you."
Related
Scriptural References: (Phil. 1: 6 & 2:15 & 3:12-14, Romans 5:1-5 &
7:14-25, James 3:5-7)
Lyrics:
And
false accusations destroy relationships. I hope you’re happy, with all the lies
you've spread, with all the lies you've spread. Well, I say we change things up,
trade out this hate with love But it has got to start with us
Chorus:
Let's be the ones to move this city If you're with me then say, Whoa...Yeah...
And if we fail, we'll just keep trying till we make it Whoa...Yeah...
My
strength is not determined by Never messing up But that every time that I fall
down Is one more time that I will get back up I'll get back up.
Bridge:
So choose your battles wisely Get in line! Look around, Family is what you'll
find.
(SCREAMO style) So choose your battles
wisely Get in line! Look around, Family is what you'll find!.
Chorus
*
* * THIS TIME I'M LEAVING -
Young people out
of hi school begin to realize the reality that taking roads toward their futures
comes with a cost; leaving behind or separating from people close to them who
have chosen another road. This rock ballad speaks to young people who have experienced
or are experiencing this exciting yet sad time of moving on down the road to their
futures. Song encourages perseverance, courage in pursuing callings and to live
life for every second - take nothing for granted.
Musical
Review: This nicely done Iindie Rock Ballad with some punk influences offers a
variety of types of guitar work, depending on what is best in supporting what
the composers had in mind. Intro has a pumping guitar rhythm which supports the
opening vocals, and smooth, pleasant melody - good contrast. First verse has flowing,
driving feel due to fast flowing, evenly played guitar 16th notes in background.
Easy drum beat, supports drive of song.
Related
Scriptural References: (Luke 12:34, 1 Peter 4:10-11)
Lyrics:
Chorus:
I'll see you in the morning at the break of daylight But if you wake up and I'm
gone, I'll see you on the other side.
Late
nights talking, we stood by the window by ourselves Remembering the starry nights
and wishing they could be ours. And now we wonder, what happened to those times,
Cause I'd give anything to have you here, tonight!
Bridge:
When you’re kids like us you do whatever Whatever it takes. To get to where we
are now, To get to where we are now (With some back ground screamo vocals)
Hook:
Nothing holds you back, when you’re kids like us Chasing our dreams and living
life for every second. Nothing holds you back, when you’re kids like us. So chase
your dreams, and live your life for every second.
Chorus
*
* * + WAKE THE REGIMENT
A well put together
rock ballad, in honor of our courageous fighting women and men.
Musical
Review: Song begins with a dissonant syncopated guitar introduction, which mimics
a military style announcement- which segues into gentler, Melodic sound of moving
broken chords played during verses. Segues back into a harder rock sound during
the chorus.
Trevor Sarver comments: WAKE THE
REGIMENT is my personal favorite. Its written from a soldiers point of view as
if he were writing a song to us back home and we heard it. Its cool, so many people
whine and gripe about the war, but man there’s people DYING for us over here,
and that’s what that ones about.
Kevin - Wake
the Regiment is my favorite song to play, and whenever I get the chance I like
to explain the meaning behind it at shows. For me at the time I was tired of hearing
all the controversy behind the war in Iraq. You had the people who said "We shouldn't
be there, it's none of our business", then you had the people who were all for
it. I looked at it as this. Whether we like it or not, a decision was made and
a lot of our men and women went to war for something that they thought was a cause
willing to give up their life for. We have friends whose family members have died
serving our country. How do you think those families feel when every time they
turn on the TV. They see some polished upper class bimbo in a suit and tie saying
that what their son did was useless. I was tired of it. So wake the regiment is
from a soldier’s perspective and how I think (even though I don't have the faintest
clue) what they might be thinking over there."
Related
Scriptural References: (Ephes. 6: 10-18, Psalm 23)
Lyrics:
It's
never been this cold before, now it's getting to me. Writing my thoughts home
to you Not knowing if I'll ever see your face again…again
Chorus:
So wake the regiment We're marching on tonight. This is what we live for, this
is what we live for. So wake the regiment We're taking back what's ours. Home
is what we die for, home is what we die for…
Now memories of yesteryear… They're enough to get me through just one more time
I’m thinking about you and all the things that you've taught me in this life I'll
remember till I die
Hook: Wake the regiment,
wake the regiment, wake the
regiment....Life is a war, Life is a war ..Wake the
regiment................
Chorus:
*
* * + ONE EYE OPEN -
Death of a loved one
is a painful experience which most people experience at one time or another. The
Bible promises Christians that they will see each other again in Heaven, our eternal
home.
Related Scriptural Ref: (Ephes. 3:16,
2nd Cor. 5:12, John 14:1-2, Matt.11:28-30, Rev.21:4, 1 Thess. 4:14-18)
Musical
Review: Very well composed and performed! Opens with a driving, spirited, full
chorus of electric guitars for 2 stanzas & drums, establishing the beat and
melody. Verse quiets down to light piano and one guitar playing counter melody
& support and 16 note staccato rhythm in 4 note bursts for rhythm support
from bass. Sound builds in second stanza through the verse. Composition and vocals
pump up a notch at the Chorus with driving rhythms, full electric guitar sound
playing support chords in interesting rhythms.
Vocals
are strong, emotional and dynamic throughout, carrying the melody and message
of the song without a hitch, softening at the Bridge, but rise with intensity
along with the music in the Chorus
Bridge has
interesting changes. Softens down to a single guitar, drumbeats builds to guitar
chords played on the beat, segues nicely into the vigorous Chorus 2, which adds
nice harmonic backup vocals.
Lyrics:
Don't
fall asleep yet We haven't found a cure for what you have And I need you here
for one more night, We'll talk about the stars and how they stay in flight Or
anything to keep you from sleeping, love, So don't go yet!
Chorus
1: We could fall asleep under the window sill And wake up to the morning light
as it drifts across the room. Don't forget better days, so won't you stay? Keep
one eye open… Keep one eye open…baby!
You
haven't moved in quite sometime. But I'll stay right here till you wake up and
if you don't, I'll stay here till the doctors pry my hands from yours and Drag
me from the room screaming louder than the ambulances. Anything to keep you from
sleeping love, so don't go yet.
Chorus 1:
Bridge:
Keep one eye open… Keep one eye open…Cause we all fall away sometimes... But it's
ok, you know it's ok. He will pick us up, And point us the right way Point us
the right way. Please stay!!!!!!!!!!
Chorus
2: We could fall asleep under the window sill And wake up to the morning light
as it drifts across the room, Don't forget better days, so won't you stay? Keep
one eye open… Keep one eye open…baby!(BABY) (So won't you stay?)
Hook:
Keep one eye open… Keep one eye open…baby…
*
* * + + PRICE FOR LOVE -
A song that would
be welcome in a contemporary, multi-generational worship service. 2nd
Favorite song of this reviewer. Could be used as an altar call song.
Trevor
comments: "PRICE FOR LOVE is my other fav.. Its just straight up what our
bands about, it says 'and he died, so never forget the price you pay for love.'
It’s pretty cool. I like that one a lot too."
Musical
Review: For a change of pace, a lovely ballad / worship song, which establishes
its solemn, worship mood with a poignant electric, acoustic-like guitar intro,
introducing the melody. Mood continues in first verse,
as poignant vocals are supported by same style of guitar playing. Composition
and vocals make good use of dynamic buildup and dynamic softening. Bridge
AND Hook switches to a minor key, segues back into a major key during Chorus.
Bridge switches to piano playing support melody, in a softer dynamic. Sound gradually
builds throughout the Hook, blooming again in the Chorus. Tag softens down to
just piano and Kevin's poignant vocals.
Vocals
/ back up Vocals are professional as usual. Kevin's
considerable breath control is on display during the HOOK. It is impressive that
he can hold clear notes for quite some time!
Related
Scriptural References: (John 1:29 & 3:16-18, 1 John 3:16 :& 10:27-30,
Romans 6:23 & 14:10-13)
Lyrics:
1)
The lights go out in my corner of the world tonight And so do the lights in your
eyes Yeah so did the lights in your eyes Now I don't want to preach at you, I
just care too much To let you walk away from this
Chorus:And
He died, so never forget, forget His love Yeah He died, to show us, the price
you pay for love
2) I never said that this
would be easy. In fact it's the hardest thing that you will ever do. But don't
worry they will never capture you. You've already been set free from this.
Chorus:
Bridge:
So right your wrongs and make your amends. We are running out of time. So right
your wrongs and make your amends. We are running out of time!!!!!!!
Hook:This
is our song that we sing from the mountain Can you hear it, can you hear it This
is our song that we sing to you Can you hear me, can you hear me?
Chorus:
Tag:
And He died, so never forget, forget His love. Yeah He died, to show us, the price
you pay for love
* * * + 479 HXC (THROUGH
THE NIGHT)
1) Struggles of the Christian during their spiritual
journey in becoming more like Christ includes opposition to
challenge us along the way, trying to get us off track / spiritual
warfare. We don't live in a vacuum and the human tendency to sin
is ever with us and in other human beings around us. (Romans 7:14-25).
Also, the prince of the air loves to see us stumble. YIKES!
Musical
Review: Indie - punk Rock done in The Wedding's style of being energetic, dynamic,
precise, driving, never monotonous! Love the introduction. 2 stanzas of bass playing
introducing rhythm & melody - dotted eighth /
16th notes. Vocal statement of band jump in...WHOOAAAAAA. Sooooo ...I'll.....take....
my.....then lead vocals (Kevin sings chances on the road again). This energetic,
tight composition makes great use of a variety of dotted eighth / 16th note counter
melody and melody support, with some pumping, evenly played straight 16th note
rhythms, courtesy of the guitars, which come across clean, even and effective
in supporting the song.
Strong vocals sit
on top of it all, carrying the catchy melody strongly, proclaiming the message
clearly. Nice vocal harmonies.
Related Scriptural
References: (Ephes. 6: 10-18, Hebrews 11: 36-37, Psalm 46: 1-4)
Lyrics:
Intro:
So.... I'll..... take..... my...... chances on the road again So.... I'll.....
take..... my..... chances on the road again
1)
So sick and tired of this fighting We haven't left camp yet And wars have broken
out on all sides. Whatever happened to loyalty getting the upper hand on jealousy.
Take the stand it's gonna take to change the tide.
Chorus:
And as we drive through the night, we'll be thinking of you We'll be thinking
of you. And as we drive through the night, we'll be thinking of you We'll be thinking
of you.
2) Well I wish that these feet would
grow roots Become a part of this ground So I'd have somewhere to belong And as
the sun rises above the battlefield where brothers fell I promise it won't end
for me that way.
Bridge: And each other is
all that we have left. They can't take that away, can't take that away. And each
other is all that we have left. They can't take that away, can't take that away.
Tag:
And as we drive through the night, we'll be thinking of you, we'll be thinking
of you.
(Vocals sing softly, building in sound, supported by straight
16th note bass guitar rhythm)
Chorus:And
each other is all that we have left. As we drive through the night, we'll be thinking
of you. And each other is all that we have left. As we drive through the night,
we'll be thinking of you.
Hook: (So..... I'll.......
take....... my......) chances on the road again !!! So..... I'll....... take.......
my....... chances on the road again. So..... I'll....... take....... my.......
chances on the road again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*
* * + + JOYRIDE
3rd favorite song of this
reviewer. A joyous, upbeat, driven rock celebration of the adventure of following
the road which calls each human being.
Musical
Review: Irresistible melody and vocals are paired with a variety of pumping rhythms,
guitar jigs, and crunching chordal support and counter melodies, which cooks along
with enthusiasm, creating a positive energy which uplifts the spirit and encourages
anyone who listens! Vocals and backup vocal harmonies are strong and energetic.
It all works together beautifully, showcasing how talented these young men are
on a professional level. WOW!
Related Scriptural
References: (Romans 12:2, 6-8 & 1 Cor. 1:20 & 3:19-20, Phil. 4:13)
Lyrics:
Won't
you come and take a ride with me I'll take you to all Beautiful places that you've
never seen But you always wanted to.
We're
fighting against the mainstream Against everything they tell us we should be.
We're striving, to mold our lives by our dreams, So our dreams can become reality.
Chorus:
Won't you come and take a ride with me. I'll take you to all Beautiful places
that you've never seen But you always wanted to And we'll find our hearts on this
lonely stretch of road And I will be here
We're
trying to win our hearts back in a world where we just don't know who we are.
We're trying to win our hearts in a world where the others are the ones who wear
the crown.
So follow your heart and you Will
find it on your own And it'll all become clear by the time, we make it home And
we'll always remember, These talks that we've had. And I will be here
*
* * + BUT A BREATH -
A song that would be
welcome in a contemporary multi-generational worship service.
A
lovely upbeat, harmonious worship anthem done in The Wedding style. Begins with
some abstract techno stuff & effects and segues into a lovely flowing piano
intro, with a pastor speaking speaking softly in the background, basically saying,"People
don't think about what's coming down the road a lot. Need to think about God and
most importantly giving control of their lives to God."
Piano
/ light strings, lovely melody, nice back up vocal harmonies, especially in the
Hook and Chorus. Strings give nice support in the Chorus but doesn't overwhelm
the piano and the vocals.
Related Scriptural
References: (Hebrews 6:11-12, Phil. 2:13 & 3:12-14, Romans 8:35-37)
Lyrics:
One
shot is all you've got To make your mark, to make your difference One chance,
but you don't understand this
* * * + Chorus:
La la la, la la La la, la la la Life is but a breath Don't waste it,
Cause
your time is limited All you have is the breath already exiting your lungs If
you won't live, you might as well die You can't afford to lead that life.
Hook:
Hands down, no regrets. Life has its hands, around my neck. Fight back, no regrets
Life has its hands, around our necks
* * *
+ WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
A song about a changing
relationship, between two people. One holds to values, despite the protests /
hurt of the other person. Though both of them forgive the disagreement / hurt
(water under the bridge), both know they can't convince the other to change the
thinking, and have decided that the other person isn't who they thought they were.
They forgive, let go but can't quite forget what they just learned about each
other.
Musical Review: Now for something completely
different! Musical interlude begins this ballad. Starts with a light breezy, jazz
-like rhythm in first 4 stanzas, just piano playing syncopated, major chords and
light cymbals to keep the beat. Guitars join in with same rhythm but introduce
the melody in a minor key, eventually segues into on the beat moving piano and
strings which build in a mournful intensity, with the guitars joining in once
again.
All this leads us into the start of
vocals, which begin softly but builds in intensity and emotion, blooming in the
Chorus. Guitars play strong, moving counter melody in the Chorus.
Bridge
is intense, emotional, with a few well-placed screamo outbursts, but the tone
softens by the Tag.
Related Scriptural References: (1 John 4:19, & 3:19-21)
Lyrics:
1)
All this work, means nothing without you. It's elementary at best. When your voice
is the one that wakes up the morning, Just lay my heart to rest
Chorus:
It's water under the bridge You say it's gone when it passes here And you won't
bring it up again, so I won't bring it up again. It's water under the bridge You
say it's gone when it passes here. And I won't bring it up again
2)
And all of my heroes, they have fallen, But I will not be next. So come whatever
may. You think you're a tough guy I can't feel heaven anymore
Chorus
2nd
Interlude: Smooth, peaceful, flowing guitar part, with light keys - Soft woman's
voice: Now conversation’s useless I'm wasting all my time You're not the same
person I remember in my mind.
Bridge: (Emotional,
intense main vocals) Now conversation’s useless (USELESS, USELESS) I'm wasting
all my time You're not the same person (PERSON) I remember in my mind.
(Now
conversation’s useless I'm wasting all my time You're not the same person I remember
in my mind) -Sung with --I told my old man not to worry We all get there someday.
It's all in the journey and who you love along the way
Tag:
Now conversation’s useless I'm wasting all my time You're not the same person
I remember in my mind, Now conversation’s useless I'm wasting all my time You're
not the same person I remember in my mind.
*
* * + + SONG FOR THE BROKEN
Peppy, driving
Indie rock anthem (with punk elements) of encouragement for enduring hard losses
/ difficult trials which can break the spirit, crush the heart, which is uplifting
for anyone suffering with a trial. Reminds us of the hope and support we have
in Jesus.
Begins with a tight, joyous rock
jig (dotted eighth - 16th note rhythm), setting the beat and upbeat spirit of
this rock worship - prayer hymn. Love the melody, poignant vocals, harmonies,
well played variety guitar work. The Tag offers a change in composition (quieter
/ broken chords) and lyrical thought of a person waiting on the Lord in prayer.
Related
Scriptural References: (Psalm 27:14 & 46:10, Rev.21:4, 1 Cor. 1:8-9, Heb. 7:27
& 12:1-3, Phil. 4:6-8)
Lyrics:
Chorus:
Don't give up on the hope that keeps you breathing. Cause after all is said and
done, it's all your lonely heart has. So look forward, to your day of liberation
When you can stop grieving
1) So how much
would it cost for you to gain everything, Everything you lost deserved to be gone
anyway So don't give up, yeah, don't give in. To the world around you that pressures
you To give up the fight, roll over and die, Forget the way you were.
Chorus.
2)
So how much pain could you take before you gave up. Would you throw it all away
or would you fight for that one day, When you heard your Savior say, when you
heard your Savior say, My child I always knew you'd make it home. So walk through
those gates of gold and claim your throne.
Chorus
Bridge:
So I wait for you to save me So I wait for you to save me! Still I wait for you
To lift me off my feet and Still I wait for you in the dark of the night Cause
I won't give up give up the fight. Still I wait for you in the dark of the night.
Still I wait for you in the dark of the night
Tag:
Still I wait for you, again. Still I wait for you, again Cause in the dark of
the night is where you'll find me Head held in my hands is where, still I wait
for you
Chorus
*
* * ++ BLEEDING FOR HOPE -
Another worship
ballad which would be welcome in a contemporary, multi-generational service. 4th
favorite song of this reviewer.
Song explanation: A song about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
First verse explores feelings that Jesus in his human form must
of struggled with as he bled on the cross of Calvary. Second verse,
perhaps the sound he hears are the jeering from the crowd as they
passed. Because he carried the sins of the world on that cross,
He must of felt alone and temporarily lost, cut off from His Father.
Because Jesus hung onto his hope, & the strength given to Him,
He finished his task of being our sin offering, according to His
Father's will, and was made whole again when He was resurrected
from the dead, and was fully glorified in heaven. And He did it
all for us - to be our everything!
Musical
Review: A 6/8 meter, diverse, beautiful, catchy, worship ballad which flows along
with a involving melody, introduced first by piano, then supported by a variety
of guitar work, which offers a variety of sound - from flowing, rhythmic, pretty
broken chords, supportive counter melody to crunching, tight rhythmic dotted eighth
notes. Vocals are poignant and sit nicely on top of the variety of accompaniment.
Great range of dynamics and instrument voices. Sound builds through the verses
and blooms in the chorus. Vocals and backup harmonies give a full sound during
the choruses.
Lovely guitar interlude of flowing,
rhythmic, pretty broken chords between last time through Chorus and the Hook,
which states the main message of the song.
Scriptural
References: (Is: 53, Luke 22:42-44, 23:32-39,46, & 24, Ps.110:1, Heb. 4:15
& 7:23-27)
Lyrics:
These
times leave you bleeding for hope and wishing for someone to take you home?
Will
you be the One who cares and where I can, care too?
Chorus
1: Cause You are everything I want and You are everything I needed
These
sounds leave you feeling so lost and hating whatever it is you've become. All
the hope that you dare to hope will leave you whole.
Chorus
2: Cause you blew down heaven's doors, because you wanted to be everything to
me
Hook: Cause you are everything I want and
you are everything I needed. Yeah, you blew down
heaven's doors, because you wanted to be everything to me
Reviewed
by Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com
The
Wedding, Compact Disc [CD]
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