Last year was a big one for alternative rock band Seabird, both in the Christian and secular markets. The band is preparing to end this year with another big milestone--the release of their sophomore album, titled Rocks Into Rivers. But to follow in the steps of Family Force 5 and House of Heroes this holiday season, Seabird is set to release their Silent Night EP to iTunes. It's been available at shows for a while now, free with pre-orders for Rocks Into Rivers, but for those who haven't been able to make it, now is your chance. And at such a small price, this is one holiday EP that you can not miss out on.

The EP contains 3 songs total, one of them being the first single off of Rocks Into Rivers, called "Don't You Know You're Beautiful." My initial thought after hearing the song was that if the rest of the album was going to be like "Don't You Know...," it would be one promising album. The song takes on God's perspective, speaking to a young girl whose parents divorced, and she blames herself. The song is very uplifting, singing "Please don't blame yourself, cause you're not by yourself, I've been right here all along. Don't have to be alone, because you've always known forever your heart is My home."

The Christmas side of the EP is just as good. It consists of "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," and neither sound like their originals. It isn't like Family Force 5's take on original holiday songs, where it's more fun than serious work. They manage to incorporate their unique sound into the EP, making it a very enjoyable listen. And "Joy to the World" has already been featured on an episode of Grey's Anatomy, setting the band up to increase its fanbase. As made evident in their debut, Seabird is just in a completely different league, and what they did with this EP takes a special kind of band.

To say I'm impressed might be an understatement. I'm looking forward to the sophomore release of Seabird like very few albums this year. I have very high expectations for what's to come. But for now, this EP satisfies completely... despite it's length (or lack thereof).

Review date: 11/23/09, written by Josh Fisher for Jesusfreakhideout.com