John Van Deusen's D-Sides EP (released independently in December 2017) is a raw, intimate, and spiritually resonant collection that feels like a whispered prayer in a quiet cabin. As a companion piece to his (I Am) Origami Pt. 2 - Every Power Wide Awake, this six-track EP offers a stripped-down, devotional counterpoint to the broader sonic palette of the Origami series. Written and performed by Van Deusen, with contributions from John Ringhofer on select tracks, D-Sides is an exploration of faith, surrender, and divine presence. In true Van Deusen fashion, it's both accessible and challenging, inviting listeners to lean into its unpolished authenticity.

The EP opens with the best overall track, "My Jesus," a tender acoustic plea that sets the tone for what's to come. Van Deusen's emotive vocals carry a weight of earnest devotion, singing, "My Jesus You are all I need/You fill me up, You fight for me/Please hold this cold and wounded man/My knees are weak it's hard to stand" with a sincerity that cuts through any potential cliché. The simplicity of the arrangement -- guitar and voice, recorded live in rustic settings -- amplifies the song's intimacy. It's not polished, and that's the point; the rawness mirrors the vulnerability of a heart laid bare before God.

"Proverbs 3:5-6" follows, weaving the familiar scripture into a folk-inflected meditation. The addition of Ringhofer's horns and banjo adds a layer of warmth, though the track's lo-fi production keeps it grounded. Van Deusen's ability to take well-known biblical passages and make them feel fresh is a testament to his songwriting prowess. The song doesn't come off heavy-handed; it wrestles, asking listeners to trust in God's path while acknowledging the human struggle to do so.

"Invisible:Omnipresent" is a standout, blending indie rock energy with worshipful lyricism. Ringhofer's contributions shine here, with synths and percussion adding texture to Van Deusen's driving guitar. The song's title captures its paradox -- God's unseen yet ever-present nature -- and Van Deusen's delivery is both reverent and restless, a hallmark of his ability to balance faith and doubt. The track feels like it could fit alongside Sufjan Stevens' more experimental worship moments, a comparison that holds for much of the EP's vibe.

"Holy And Enthroned" slows things down, offering a hymn-like reflection on divine majesty. The minimalist arrangement -- mostly Van Deusen's voice and guitar -- creates a sacred space, though its brevity leaves you wanting more. Similarly, "May You Be Glorified!" is a burst of adoration, its upbeat strumming and declarative lyrics feeling like a spontaneous overflow of worship. These tracks, while less developed than others, maintain the EP's cohesive thread of unfiltered devotion.

Closing with "Good Morning, Good Shepherd," Van Deusen delivers a gentle, pastoral ode to Christ's guidance. The song's accessibility is its charm, with lyrics that feel like a morning prayer set to music. Recorded in various cabins and even a sauna in Plain, WA, the track carries the ambiance of those spaces: quiet, reflective, and unhurried. It's a fitting end to an EP that feels like a devotional journal brought to life.

What makes D-Sides compelling is its refusal to be anything other than what it is: a collection of worshipful songs born from Van Deusen's personal encounters with God. The production, handled by Jonathan Keane and mastered by Nich and Cathy Wilbur at The Unknown in Anacortes, WA, embraces a DIY ethos that suits the EP's intimate scale. It's not flawless -- some tracks feel more like sketches than fully realized songs -- but that rawness is part of its charm. Van Deusen's willingness to be vulnerable, paired with his knack for catchy yet meaningful melodies, makes D-Sides a rewarding listen for those who value authenticity over polish.

For fans of Van Deusen's Origami series, or artists like Sufjan Stevens and Manchester Orchestra, D-Sides is a must-listen. It's not as ambitious as his full-length projects, but it doesn't need to be. This EP is a quiet triumph, a reminder that worship can be both noisy and holy, simple yet profound.

- Review date: 7/4/25, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com