Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Following the success of their eponymous debut album, Washington DC natives Capital Kings return with the appropriately named 'II' and show just why Cole Walowac and Jon White have become Nashville CCM's club music people of choice. The range of influences brought in by the duo make for an intriguing blend of electronic dance, hip-hop and pop that always keeps you on your toes. Following a short intro track of building synth strings the album erupts into life with the pumping beat and euphoric trance synth of "Afterlight". This formula is used to great effect throughout the record building like a countdown and then 'lift off' as the track rockets into orbit. Bringing hip-hop into this electronic dance mix doesn't seem like a natural fit but somehow it works. The rapping of Walowac on "Into Your Arms" finds a rhythm to echo the rhythm of the beat and adds a new dimension to the sound. There are more reflective moments on the record with "Believer" opening with keys and acoustic guitar before building to a climax proclaiming, "I want to see the world on fire." The dynamic range used throughout the record captures your ears and takes them on a journey and helps drive home the powerful message in the lyrics. There is a passion on show throughout perhaps best demonstrated on closer "Fireblazin", featuring Chris Tomlin, with more high energy driving beats as they proclaim "We've got a fireblazin' in our hearts/No we're never gonna stop/Until the whole world knows who you are. . ." Fans of Capital Kings' debut album will not be disappointed as this builds on all that was great about that record and takes it further. The passion and energy can't help but get you nodding, moving, even dancing.

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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