Reviewed by Jeremy Chalmers

Rise are a four-piece rock and roll band from Los Angeles who've attracted considerable publicity, much of it due to the fact that they're a Christian rock band (of which of course there are tens of thousands) but also one emanating from the Catholic Church (of which there are very few). This is the second album released by the guys. The band, consisting of en ex-LA cop, a sales manager, a CEO and a part time photographer, have been through a rough time over the last little while but nonetheless still managed to put together this record. A record that whilst perhaps lacking in any real energy and enthusiasm musically, does have fairly hopeful lyrics. A good result when considering the tough times they have been going through with band member Steve Rogers battling with cancer. The album gives off a very '70s rock and roll feel to it. The band seem to be very good at writing very challenging and honest lyrics, lyrics that definitely reflect the emotions and thoughts that have been with the band as the songs were written. With songs like "Cancer's Creation" and "River's Running Wide", these songs speak of the difficulties within the band as well as problems abroad with raging wars in foreign countries. Musically though, it has to be said that Rise's old style, retro sound breaks no new ground.

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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