Danyew - EP

iTunes Review

In the fine tradition of Paul McCartney and Todd Rundgren, Phil Danyew makes his 2009 debut EP a self-created affair. Except for Pete Kipley’s production input, the tracks here entirely reflect the San Diego-born Christian singer/songwriter’s creative vision. What catches the ear first is his compelling yet nuanced vocal style, capable of soaring dramatic flights and hushed, confiding interludes. Like his friend and fellow worship leader Phil Wickham, he combines a sense of urgency with a natural sweetness in tone. Danyew’s grasp of pop forms extends from glistening Britpop (“The Closer We Are”) to buoyant country (“Nothing Without You”) and extended Springsteen-like piano rock (“Streetlight”). “Beautiful King,” the EP’s most straightforward praise tune, is an act of pure reverence, sung with a mixture of awe and delight. The guilelessly romantic “Turnstile” is a piano-centered pop gem carrying a pledge of devotion. Collectively, Danyew reveals an old-fashioned bedrock faith beneath a very au courant surface shimmer. This one-man band plays very harmoniously indeed.