Someone once said recording artists have their whole lives to write a first album and a year to write the second. As evidenced by the famous "sophomore slump," too many bands know this all too well. Building 429 not only had this to deal with in contemplating a second release but were also coming off a New Artist of the Year Dove Award. Could expectations be any higher for Rise? Does it make the grade? Well, yes and no. The foursome still serves up plenty of power chord-charged rock that they so well introduced on Space In Between Us with "Searching For A Savior," "Fearless," and "Fighting To Survive." Unfortunately much of it is similar in style to what Christian Music Row is churning out these days. But pay attention to the release's latter tracks which may make you wonder just what this band is capable of doing in the future. Those points of light include lead man Jason Roy never sounding so good as on the melodic "Rise"; Roy and guitarist Jesse Garcia whipping up a distinctive guitar hurricane on "Now That It's Over" and "Alive"; and, rhythm section Michael Anderson (drums) and Scotty Beshears (bass) throwing down an awesome groove for guest star Michael Tait (DC Talk) on the gritty "Empty." Pardon the puns, but while this one may not be the proverbial Rise to the top, it is a leap worthy of your faith. --Michael Lyttle