Tony and Erin Barnes met ten years ago on the worship team at their church in Indianapolis. Since then, the two have dedicated their lives to marriage, missions and worship -- and their children (with a third arriving soon!).
Wide Open marks the first release for the duo. This six-song EP of worship songs is a nice introduction to the Barnes'. The music heard on the EP is largely simplistic and fairly minimal. Light drums, some keys/pads, and guitars (both acoustic and clean electric) are heard throughout the EP. One of the strongest songs present is found in the acoustic- and Tony-led "Uphold Me." Erin joins for some beautiful harmonies and the two sing, "
When I see You coming; my heart will know You held me. You're the reason that I'm standing here; through the fire and the flood. Your song of freedom found me; You're the reason why I'm standing here," in the bridge. Erin's strongest song comes in "Heartbeat," which highlights her vocals nicely. My favorite song, however, is the title track. All of the best parts of
Wide Open are put into the closer and it leaves the biggest impression while listening and after the EP finishes. The EP also features unique cover art in the form of a lovely watercolor painting of the sky, a meadow, and a stream running through. The sound of
Wide Open is not that of typical modern worship music, or the folk sound that so many husband and wife duos carry. The Barnes' sound is more organic and seems to fit what they do well. Fans who like to diversify their worship music will likely find a lot to enjoy with this EP.
- Review date: 3/11/20, written by
Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com
(JFH Sponsor Spot)