Kristian Binion EP Review

     As a Christian music enthusiast, I often run across an individual or a band that has yet to be discovered by others. However, it is a rare moment when my ears are pleased and my heart is touched. On one such occasion I was relaxing at home watching Reflections. Daystar produces this television program which showcases nature-loving videos with scripture notes accompanied with mostly instrumental melodies.

     On this one specific night I had my eyes closed and suddenly this voice began to awaken and touch my soul. Then the message began to sink in and I had to rewind it to find out who it was. When they first started singing he reminded me slightly of Chris August but as the song continued it was more like the style of Jason Upton. It was melodically and lyrically beautiful. To my delight the person’s name was a mystery causing me to speak to myself like I was Sherlock Holmes.

     Kristian Binion was the answer to the riddle at that moment and God is the master of his talent. A graduate from Christ For The Nations International, he learned early on what the significance of a close relationship with Jesus Christ brings to writing. With gifted musicians like Kari Jobe and others you have to wonder, what does this University instill in their students that other colleges do not?

     I received his current EP, which sadly only includes three songs. The first single on the album is the notable song I heard that evening and title of the EP, Pieces. It speaks about how fragile we are and how often times we don’t feel worthy of repair. However, God sees us as a moldable project as He restores us and makes us new.

     This song really touched my heart as I sit discovering this artist as he moved my spirit. It is so personal and speaks to those who have a broken and contrite heart. At some point we all experience moments of heartbreak and desperation. It could be the loss of a loved one or a feeling of rejection. It could also be backslider who was once close to God who has fallen and is trying to find their way back. All of these scenarios fit the message, along with many others I have not mentioned. The closing segment is one of the most powerful lyrics I have heard recently. "When this world pushes my heart to break. But every piece of it sings your praise. If it takes falling to see your face, then somebody push me for Heavens sake."

     Kristian’s heart is all about making God famous and hoping his worship will touch someone that needs to know that God is the answer to every problem they will ever face. We all have broken pieces or areas the world has vexed us in and if we turn everything over to Him, He can make something out of us to use for His glory. I have found myself asking God to keep me broken so that I never want to leave His side. Being near to God at all times is vital to our spiritual health and growth.

     I cannot express to you how gifted this young man is. You just have to be inclined to discover him for yourself. I do believe that he has a huge future ahead of him musically and spiritually leading people in worship and to a closer walk with Christ through his ministry.

     The second song on the release is titled Narrow Way. This is a message that is urgent for the Body of Christ today and the title is exactly what it is about. Many people today are on the broad path that leads to destruction. They have been tossed about with every wind of doctrine and spoon fed grace to a point they feel a personal relationship and repentance is not required of them. Kristian lays his heart on the floor before the Lord in this beautiful adoration of a man desiring to exemplify Christ. "I wanna say what you would say. I wanna love the same way. Until everything I do is a reflection of you. I will follow the path you’ve made along the narrow way. There’s a ladder you can climb to pull yourself up to the sky. But you will be sure to find you will fall if you get to high. But that ladder it leads back down where the humble and broken are found."

     After listening to the third song Strong Tower, I was extremely unsettled about the fact that there were no more for me to listen to. This song brought out a different sound from Kristian and I had a hard time deciding which I liked better. It was at that point that I decided God’s perfect number is three and this EP is one hundred and ten percent fascinating. That being said I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this extraordinarily gifted young man.

     Eager to see how long I was going to have to wait to hear more from Kristian, I asked him when he was going to bless us all with a full length album.

     Kristian - "I’m currently writing new songs to go along with a lot more that didn’t make the EP. I am praying and believing God for a full-length record someday. I know it will happen in His timing. Meanwhile, I plan to start recording some acoustic videos of new songs that God has given me. Those should be coming very soon!"

     As someone who is passionate about writing for God I asked what advice Kristian would share with others who have a dream to sing and minister and to share God with others in song.

     Kristian - "I would say don’t ever let anything stop you! Not even yourself! I struggled for a long time with not feeling adequate or good enough. It wasn’t until I surrendered to God and stopped worrying about what people thought. I started reading the word and seeking Him and God started dropping songs in my heart. I would tell God how you feel, ask Him to write through you. It may not come right away but God is faithful and He will begin to birth songs in your heart that will draw people to Him."

     Today you see a lot of youth struggling with choices either to fit in at school or with their friends outside of school. They are willing often times to sacrifice the gifts God has placed in them to use for His Kingdom for momentary popularity. As a young man himself growing up with the temptations and trials of youth I was curious what or who influenced him to lay everything at the cross and truly walk with Christ.

      Kristian - " I would have to say my Grandfather, V.R. Mitchell. I was going through a time in my life where I was not really living completely for God. I mean, I loved God and I knew how to act and knew what to say to make it seem like we were close. But in reality I was riding the fence. While I was visiting with my Grandfather one day it was like he knew exactly what was going on. But he didn’t give me a speech or tell me I was a sinner. He just very calmly grabbed my hand looked me straight in the eyes as I was leaving and said "Son, Grab a hold of Jesus and don’t ever let him Go!" That’s all he said but it was all I needed! Instantly I knew it was God speaking through him. And I will never forget that moment the rest of my life! That is what I would say to a young person who is struggling to fit in. DON’T FIT IN! Grab a hold Of Jesus and don’t ever let Go! It’s not always easy and we are human. We will mess up. But don’t ever forget to cling to Jesus it’s the only way to make it."

     Kristian is right we are human and we all mess up, but one thing is for certain he did everything right on this EP. Check it out for yourself and take advantage of being the first person to share his music with someone else. Trust me when I say don’t let someone else steal your blessing from doing so. I hope and pray that this review may open doors for Kristian to explore that full-length album because I personally don’t know how long I can wait to hear it.

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     I would like to personally give special recognition for musicians, mixers and producers who made Pieces what it is. Thank you Daniel Lopez, Will Coleman, Josh Dufrene and Gregg Dunham for assisting Kristian by making this EP available.

 

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