After a stint as an independent band, some lineup changes, and plenty of touring, The Wedding is back--and refusing to be ignored.

No Direction is the 5-piece rock outfit's first album release since signing with Tooth & Nail Records. The eclectic blend of sounds and styles from the past two albums is still present, drawing heavily on the band's Arkansas roots as well as some more unlikely elements (it's not often that a hard rock band boasts a track titled in Latin).

 

The album opens with the infectiously catchy title track, a rock cut with enough of a pop vibe that it could easily hold its own in radio play. The song introduces the theme of seeking for life direction in a world constantly sending mixed messages. "In The End" leans on the adrenaline-laced scorching style of southern rock and roll, exploring the way humanity pursues the wrong things, and where it lands us: "we get what we want in the end, the blood is on our hands."

 

"The Lesser Worth" declares the lack of satisfaction found in the things the world tries to sell us. The song features a beautiful breakdown and dual-guitar build up in the bridge, backing the band's edgy, intense lyrics with musical precision. "The Raconteur" is a rowdy adventure song, showcasing Matt Shelton's strong, raucous vocals. 

 

"Hang On Love" is the first in a set of more weighty selections. The introduction here pays tribute to punk bands of a decade ago, notably through the way Cody Drigger's rich bass work lays the foundation for the rest of the song. This is a song of encouragement, declaring: "If you're tired, love, rest your head. If you're lonely, dear, I'll be a friend."

 

Although the band can clearly pull off the scalding guitar riffs and in-your-face vocals with a solid mastery that has been rare in recent years, they also have mastered a vulnerable side. "The Wildest Ocean" and "Mors Tua Nos Vita" demonstrate the band's softer side beautifully. "The Wildest Ocean" is a fragile plea for hope in the face of the storm. The lyrics soften along with the musical tone, speaking in a more poetic voice. "Mors Tua Nos Vita" is a hymn-like selection, building up to crescendo over raw acoustic guitar.

 

"Kill Any Excuse" kicks back in with a driving arena-rock sound. The track skillfully achieves the balance between a feel-good vibe and lyrics with depth. "Heartbreak in Melody" is a more edgy track exploring the way melody can become like an emotional drug. Here the gritty, driving guitar work of guitarists Trevor Sarver and Adam Thron shines.

 

"Don't Let Me Down" traces a conversation in a relationship trying to hold itself together through honesty. This is one of the more widely accessible tracks on the record, pulling again on more of a pop-styled influence. "Young and Dangerous" is essentially an anthem for the social rejects and underdogs who tend to gather on the floor at rock shows, nostalgic somehow despite the no-holds-barred musical approach. "Distance and Resolution" is the album's conclusion, seeking to close the gap between man and God, looking to Him as the only possible direction. They blend some beautiful soaring choral vocals towards the end, adding to the haunting tone of the closing track.

 

The Wedding has broken their silence in the best way possible. The songs are honest, raw anthems for the seeker of truth, flavored with refreshing intentionality and some classic raucous rock and roll. The band explores some of the questions and struggles that arise in a directionless society while still pointing towards the hope found beyond our broken reality, balancing the heavy themes with the light. Christian hard rock continues to be a precarious place to stand, but The Wedding seems to balance there fearlessly.