Lavished in luminous color, newcomer Matthew Reed presents his refreshing worship EP, Come & Drink, for a generation seeking for something deeper. The album is set in a singable anthem manner and rock-driven array. The EP comes from producer Michael Rossback (Gungor, Jared Anderson, Paul Baloche) and comes between a mixture of Rossback's previous works, plus hints of Mat Kearney and Knoxville's rising worship team, United Pursuit Band (Will Reagan). 
 

Surrealistically embellished, the project is filled with rally and folk like anthems with clinging thumps, a soft touch of Southern edge, and soaring, soulful vocals. The boylike voice is assuring and serene. Lyrically, it's penetrating, profound and inviting.

 

The EP begins with the melodic “Awake, Awake,” which is able to purge piano swifts and electrifying sounds in a hooking appeal. The track calls forth to “make way for the Lord,” as well as a call for the Church to “rise up.” The album transfuses a call for holiness, echoing “Have you not heard? He's coming for a pure bride. Like a thief in the night, He's coming quickly.”

 

The following track, “Come and Drink,”is a thriving and harmonious invite to drink from the “healing river.” The song evokes the listener to invite others in the chorus: “Come you thirsty, come you sinners.” The bridge is an engaging singalong that makes one ponder, “Can we count the things He's done?” The song is gorgeously paced and structured, forging a sprinkle of '70s light pop rock and a somewhat Michael Gungor resonance, in all creating an assertive appeal. 

 

Both “Crash This Place” and “Come Now” are invitations for the presence of the Holy Spirit to invade, fill, and dwell amidst. “Crash This Place” carries a Southern rock edge and at the same time a harmonious and structured congregational anthem. “Come Now” comes with a softer touch, with additional declarations as children of God. The lyrics penetrate a tangible experience that beautifully call out, “bring forth Your rain into these dry and thirsty bones. Come now upon us, upon Your people, You are the light that shines. Darkness is no more.”

 

“Emmanuel” has an acoustic appeal and gentler rendition, discussing God's infinite love that “has no bounds.” From all tracks, this one seems to fully carry the Southern roots of Reed in a hushing lullaby like manner. The final track, “Pour Out,” comes in a more energetic upbeat swift and cries out for revival. The song calls unto God's presence to fill one's cup and overflow, in so creating a triggering effect resulting in “revival.”
 

Undoubtedly the album carries the touch of producer Rossback's previous works, yet still presenting a unique rendition to the already giant rising “worship scene.” Reed has something unique to offer, as he is keenly able to carry out Southern rock edge and folk with a modern youthful touch, resulting in singable anthems. The music does not seem to center on Reed, but create a rally of worshipers united in “Spirit and in Truth.”

 

Reed's EP is able to go much deeper than just proclaim, but create a healing and Spirit filled atmosphere. Beauty is transcended from beginning to end, and it is not necessarily the music and lyrics, which in all honesty are all contagious, but the heart of this sincere young worshiper that is felt and penetrated.