Iris to Iris

Building 429 returned scarcely a year after Rise with its third studio album and a more refined sound. The band that had become known for middle of the road neo-grunge opted for the slick production help of Brown Bannister, the man responsible for the mid-career revivals of Steven Curtis Chapman, Avalon, and MercyMe. The result was an impressive forward step for the group. Iris to Iris invited listeners to take a deeper look at the band's themes, both lyrically and musically. Jason Roy's vocals coaxed an admiration for the band's deliberate yet earnest approach to modern worship. Their adult alternative sound continued to call to mind the Calling and Lifehouse. The swirling odes "Waiting to Shine" and "Constant" took on a slightly different spin, landing closer to the layered grunge-lite of Dishwalla. Meanwhile, solid tracks like "Power of Your Name," "Majesty," and "Grace That Is Greater" rounded out the record. Where Rise suffered from a lack of pace by mid-album, Iris to Iris churned out track after track of listenable delights that only let you relax for a moment before hooking you back. Building 429 continued an evolution away from generic offerings with this album but left room for further stylistic improvement. ~ Jared Johnson