Phil Danyew wowed us earlier this year with his self-titled EP; with a mix of acoustic and electronic elements with worship-based lyrical content, Danyew EP proved to be one of the more unique releases this year, as well as one of the best from the field of EPs. With a full-length album due from the singer-songwriter in 2010, we are given the Wake Up EP to tide us over until then, which is another short, but sweet, offering from the artist.

Wake Up EP is only three songs long, but as with the previous EP, Danyew pretty much makes up for the quantity with quality. Overall, it seems these three songs take another step back from an alt-rock sound, even more so than Danyew EP. Where Danyew EP boasted a flawless mix of both traditional instruments and electronic synthesizers, Wake Up EP is almost completely comprised of synths. Danyew pulls off both approaches quite well, and it's further evidence of his ever-present and fresh talent. As far as lyrical themes go, "Wake Up" finds spiritual comforting of a hurting friend ("See-through and shallow/You say you're fine but you're fragile.../ Don't ever feel like you're all alone/'Cause there is someone watching over you") while the driving "Twilight" finds Danyew himself seeking the Lord's aid. On the same note, the time we have on earth in cherished on "Silver Lining", bringing the EP to an abrupt, but grand, finish.

As with Danyew EP, the short length is the most obvious drawback to the product, but combining it with the first EP, this San Diego songwriter has undeniably brought us a grand collection this year. With a full-length record of all-new material due out next year, Wake Up EP only excites me further to see where this fledging new artist will take us next.

- Review date: 12/26/09, written by Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com