Less than a year after releasing their debut album, Keep Quiet, SONS is at it again with an acoustic EP, Keep Quieter. The new EP features three of Keep Quiet's songs stripped down and in acoustic form.

What was the band's motivation for the EP? The fans. "Right now, we are enjoying some time off from the road with our families. Knowing this time was upon us, we wanted to give our incredible fans an intimate look at Keep Quiet because it's been so special to us, and their support has been overwhelming," says the band. "Our commitment has always been to push ourselves artistically, and as we continue to change and evolve, it's important to us to let our listeners take a look in however we can. We aren't exactly private, but everyone likes presents, so we try to give people something to open every now and then."

The EP starts off with the acoustic version of the band's first single, "Doubt." When I found out that "Doubt" would be featured on the EP, I had reservations about whether or not they would be able to pull off an acoustic version of the song. However, it turns out that "Doubt" is my favorite song on the EP. Up next is the acoustic version of "Believe in Something." This song was one of my favorites off of the full-length and doesn't disappoint on the EP. Personally, I found that the lyrics to this song made me examine the motivations and desires of my own heart, "I see the scars from the sin I partake in. The burden of all is I'm already making the same old mistakes I have made through the years." Newberry's falsetto matched with the acoustics makes these thoughtprovoking lyrics become even more personal and challenging to the listener. Last, but certainly not least is "Ghosts." It's yet another thoughtprovoking song that takes a look at the results of our flesh ("I am the liar. I am the thief. I'll kill all your precious beliefs…") vs. the spirit, and declares the hope found in Christ ("Come ye weary, breathe in the aroma, forgiveness is here. You've been given life now and forever, stop living within all your fears").

My only complaint with Keep Quieter is that it is only three songs. I would have particularly liked to have seen a stripped down version of "Under the Sun," "Masters of the Flattery," or the album's namesake, "Keep Quiet." However, SONS has hinted around that there are more surprises on the horizon. Keep Quiet was my personal favorite record of 2012 and the Keep Quieter EP is a beautiful addition to the album.

Review date: 12/11/12, written by Nick Fitchpatrick for Jesusfreakhideout.com