Music Review — “holiness ep” by Matthew Duhon

This is my first ever music review so please show me some grace.  I am doing this for three reasons.  One is I love music and will be sharing my reviews from time to time.  Two, Matt was a former worship pastor at my church and therefore, I am genuinely excited about his new project and wish the best for him and his family.  And lastly, Matt personally delivered me a copy to my home.  How cool is that.  Thanks Matt!  Seeing his passion for this project was contagious.

For me, there are two types of CD’s.  The first grabs you immediately and you can’t get enough of it… for a week or two.  Then the desire for it goes away almost as quickly as it came.  I may pull it out occasionally, but it just got old too quick.  Secondly, there are those rare CD’s that leave you neutral after the first listening.  It leaves you curious for more, you realize that there is some depth here and it is going to take some time for it to sink in.  Oh and when it sinks in, pure joy.  You can’t get enough, but it lasts and lasts.  You not only find yourself singing the tunes, but being effected by the message.I am so thankful that this CD is one of those rare gems that fits into the second category.  From the “battle cry” scream opening on “remnant cry” to the intimate call to surrender on “letting go,” there is much to digest.

One of the reasons this CD gets better the more you listen to it is because you wont find any cookie cutter approach, but truly individual songs, each standing on its own, yet a part of the whole.  You won’t grow weary of Matt’s sound, because you won’t be able to pin it down.  This is a major accomplishment indeed.  The musicianship is amazing and top notch, as is the recording quality.  This is a surprising accomplishment as the musicians are, to my knowledge, friends and fellow students of Matt’s and that the whole project was self-funded.  In other words, done on a student’s budget.

Holiness ep

On a side note, what exactly is the difference between an album and ep.  There are 9 full length songs on this CD as well as an instrumental.  I have bought many CD’s with no more material than this.   So, I trust that Matt calls it ep for good reason.  I just don’t want you to be fooled.  This is a full CD of music.  You can check it out at Matt’s myspace.

As I said, I am used to listening to Matt lead worship, so the first scream on “Remnant Cry” caught me completely off guard.  I am not sure what I was expecting, but i guess it was not that.  The song is a solid rock song and is growing on me.  It is an anthem for this generation.  “We are an army rising, we are a remnant crying.” There is no question that there is a remnant in this generation turning back to the basics of biblical Christianity.  There is a remnant out there that has had enough of church as usual, church as show and church as consumerism.  This puts them in the strange place of calling the church of their parents back to its roots and foundation.  “this generation will be the turning of the tide.” I sure hope this becomes a reality and am encouraged by what I am seeing across our world among young people.  Musically the song is all over the map, it was distracting to me at first, but I am now seeing that it is one of the song’s strength, as well as a sign of Matt’s maturity as a young song writer.  In a world of 3 minute cookie cutter songs, he shows great patience.  This is definitely one that I am enjoying more and more with each listen.  There is something infectious about the song and when Matt urges us to “come on,” how can we continue in our business as usual mindset?

The next two songs are songs that I hope and pray become standards in many of God’s churches around the world.  “We Bring You Praise” takes no time getting into a worshipful groove.  The message is simple and the song is very catchy.  It is one of those songs that you will have a hard time getting out of your head.  Vocally, Matt sings the song higher than I am used to hearing him sing.  It was not what I was used to, but only took a few minutes to appreciate the variety he shows from song to song. “Glorious One” is just as strong and it also has an infectious groove.  In some ways song writing is like sermon writing.  The goal is to take the deep truths of God and make them simple.  Matt does a great job in this area, and believe me it is not as easy as one might think.

Things slow a bit with “All I need is You,” but the timing is perfect in the flow of the overall project.  The song is personal, but yet again the glory and focus is on God.  “It’s your heart Father that I want to be pleasing” I think this  sums up   Matt’s vision for the entire project and it is contagious.  Thanks Matt.  Things slow even a bit further on “Letting Go,” one of my personal favorites.  This song was the exception on the CD.  It grabbed me immediately and has yet to let me go.  It is intensely personal and speaks to exactly where I am at in my own walk with the Lord.  This one continues to have a lasting impact on my life.  From the first notes of the piano, to the haunting first first words delivered with Matt’s powerful voice, I knew this one was different.  “Faith and Fear at war” This should describe all of us as we seek to battle against the flesh and follow Jesus by denying ourselves and taking up our cross.  For the child of God, the greatest gains, the greatest joys, the greatest love, the greatest victories, always come from letting go.  The next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that Jesus extended out His arms to catch you.

The piano driven theme continues (thankfully) as Matt reminds us why we must never be afraid to let go.  “You are Good,” has an entirely different feel than any other song on the CD.  I am again amazed at the maturity of the song writing and how someone can create such diversity on their first project.  This song is special.  The song reminds me of the day when the best songwriters were the best story tellers.  Matt tells a great story here, one worth listening to, really listening.  It is the story of life, in all its highs and lows, peaks and valleys.  How could the creature ever understand all the twists and turns of this life.  We can’t.  However, we can cling to what we know to be true in the midst of this life.  God’s eternal goodness.  This section of the project ends with a piano instrumental continuing the tune of “You are Good.”  It is mesmerizing and finally gives the repeat button a valid reason for existing.

The title of the project is holiness.  The next song is about walking in holiness.  “To Walk in Holiness” is truly one in a million.  I realize I am biased, but I am also a true music fan.  I follow music closely and have listened to about every worship song out there.  This one is one in a million.  I know the goal is not for Matt to become famous.  The goal is for God to be glorified.  However, in my humanity, I can’t help but hope that somehow the right person hears this song so it can be shared with the world.  There is not much I can say.  It is a prayer of a child of God, who is devoted to their mission in life.  Becoming more like Jesus.  Not with words, but with their life.  Whatever you do, order the CD and listen to this song.  Then make it your prayer, make it your heart’s cry and then go live it out!

The return of the guitars.  By the way I love guitars and I love the next song.  After the intensity of the last song, “Light Has Come” is a welcomed relief.  It has a similar feel to remnant cry, and is a big song.  Musically, the song is exceptionally strong and will quickly be one of the favorites for many.  The project wraps up with a nice acoustic track called, “Running Home.” It really does summarize the message of the project.  Regardless of where we are in life, regardless of our circumstances, Christ is enough.

Thank you Matt for this labor of love and thank you to all the musicians, vocalist and others that made the project a reality.  Thank you Heather for sharing your husband with us and thank you Natalie, Eliana and Caleb for sharing Daddy with the world.  Please be in prayer for the Duhon family as they seek God’s next chapter in their lives.