Reviewed by Jamie Hailstone

Many bands have come unstuck with that 'difficult' second album and the challenge for Building 429 was can they build on the success of their first CD, or will their new offering 'Rise' sink them instead? The opening track "Searching For A Savior" sets out the band's mission statement with plenty of roaring guitars and singer Jason Roy giving it all he's got. The group are clearly keen to build on the success they have already enjoyed, having toured with Jeremy Camp, BarlowGirl and Todd Agnew. The 11 tracks on 'Rise' are as polished and impassioned as they come. Clearly, Building 429 still have plenty to say, which bodes well for their longevity. Lyrically, the emphasis on 'Rise' is all about yearning and searching for God and all of the songs will strike a chord (no pun intended) with younger listeners who are into Third Day and Delirious?. The title track will become the soundtrack to many young Christian's lives and just oozes passion. Drummer Michael Anderson certainly whips up a storm on tracks like "Fighting To Survive" and "Now That It's Over". This is the kind of music that is best heard in a stadium, cranked up to the top, with an audience of thousands. Having conquered that "difficult" second album problem - there really could be no stopping Building 429.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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