All Sons & Daughters released their third EP, The Longing, a few days ago. I got mine a couple weeks ago, and it’s been the almost constant soundtrack to my life for as long.

If you like All Sons & Daughters, you’ll like this EP. It’s very true to their style – simple arrangements, occasionally eclectic instrumentation, gorgeous vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and infectious melodies. I couldn’t put it better than the press release:

When life is hard and heartache and confusion inevitably reign, what do we do with those moments, and how do we actually worship god in the midst of them? This uncomfortable tension is precisely what fuels the music of All Sons & Daughters, whose songs give listeners permission to not only ask questions, but to express their pain in the midst of it.

The first few tracks are a little more upbeat than some of their previous stuff, but they do it really well. It’s uplifting and encouraging and still completely beautiful.

You can get more at their website: TheLongingEP.com. There are videos of some of the stories behind the songs, and you can listen to the entire EP as well. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Song details and some sample lyrics after the break. 

Oh How I Need You is an upbeat prayer. You could probably ho-down to it, but not in an annoying way. In a you-rock-that-banjo way. The chorus that sings the bridge together is great.

Hear The Sound is the one that I have problems singing along with, theologically:

You forgive, You forgive everyone // You restore, You restore everyone // You redeem, You redeem everyone

He made a way for everyone. He doesn’t turn anyone away. But He only restores those who come to Him. I think the point they’re making is that He forgives and restores and redeems everyone who comes to Him, but the distinction isn’t clear … and I’m particular like that.

Rising Sun is where the EP starts to slow down to their familiar pace, and it’s gorgeous. I love how the instrumentation drops out over the first chorus:

Our great Redeemer // Glorious Savior // Your Name is higher than the rising sun // Light of the morning // You shine forever // Your Name is higher than the rising sun

Called Me Higher is a beautiful revelation. The lyrics narrate a progression from the worshipper who sits faithfully in His presence, to the disciple who realizes there’s more.

I will be Yours // I will be Yours for all my life so let Your mercy // Light the path before me // ‘Cause You have called me higher // You have called me deeper // And I’ll go where You will lead me, Lord

We Are Blessed has a simple, but pronounced (for All Sons & Daughters) beat to it that makes it stand out from the rest of the EP. It’s a simple confession, but it’s powerful.

The title track, The Longing, wraps up the EP with the familiar, simple vocal/bare instrumentation arrangement that I love these two for. And the great lyrics that you find on the cover art:

Love is and always was // The longing placed inside my heart // To know You and be known by You

Love it. Check it out.