The Wedding / THE WEDDING CD Review - ChristianMusic.com
The Wedding - Bio & Interview * Wedding Lyrics
General Overview of THE WEDDING's debut CD, THE WEDDING:
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.
This reviewer is now going to explore this band, their background, their music and their messages in more detail for our readers!
* * * + + 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 can't 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 battlefield 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 high 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 References: (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
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