Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the return of the Gideon Band. Sort of.

Three years removed from their debut release (see album review), the DC natives are back with some new music, which the present in a 6-track EP titled Foreword. It’s a prelude to their forthcoming release, to be titled Lifestories.

The EP shows a tremendous amount of growth for the group and gives us even more insight to the group who has brought such infectious hits to the table as "Got To Praise God" and "Majesty" (recently covered on the latest Woman Thou Art Loosed worship project).

Speaking of "Got to Praise God", the track gets a well-deserved remix in true Gideon Band fashion. The eight-man band starts the track with an awesome musical expression and a seamless transition to the deep urban remix of the song. Written by group founder Cornelius Berkeley, the remix sees Michael Logan returning with fresh vocals which, in a word, are hot!! You'll pump this one for a while.

There are two new, full songs on the EP. "Conqueror", written by Berkeley and Billy Staton, serves as a reminder to the believer of our status as more than a conqueror. With Berkeley and Warren Jones on lead vocals, this song is reminiscent of the irreplacable and well-crafted signature sound of Commissioned. Perhaps that's not a surprise, as the track features production from Noel Hall, former longtime music director for Fred Hammond.

Hall also puts on his production hat for the other full song, "Fly". Written by the group's musical director Eddie Henderson, this composition speaks of a young boy having to cope with the loss of his mother. During the song, the boy finds comfort by knowing that his mother will meet him again in Paradise. Logan is featured on lead vocals and makes a great impact. In addition, longtime Fred Hammond running buddies Mo' Horns lend their talents. Yes, Gideon Band plus Mo' Horns equals a delightfully successful and infectious song.

The EP also features a couple of two-minute songs from the upcoming Lifestories project. "So Good" is a sweet ballad composed by Logan which addresses his evolving relationship with God and how things now are far better than ever before. "Defeated" can be considered a new school anthem, declaring the current and impending defeat of our enemy.

The project closes with a hidden track, which highlights outtakes from the band's attempt to record their vocal intro to this EP. You have to hear this, as the intro and outtakes both showcase the group's comedic side and shows the ease that they have blending humor and ministry.

There's no doubt that this EP is a worthy Foreword to their upcoming album —something not to be missed.