Southern California’s Rise showcase a pleasing slice of classic rock on their newest release, Stand the Line.  It’s been a long and arduous road since their debut album appeared in 2002, with two original members moving on, and lead singer Steve Rogers being diagnosed with cancer.  After a full recovery, he prayed with remaining members Jorge Ramirez (bass) and Mike Beloud (electric guitar) for God’s guidance in continuing their musical ministry.  The search for a replacement ended with Mike Partain, a Protestant who had been playing drums with a Catholic choir for several years.

All but Ramirez have entered the Catholic faith through RCIA, with Partain joining this past Easter.  Whereas their first album, Through the Son, had the vein of new convert’s praise, this fresh collection of tunes shows a more contemplative side.

The band has written all ten songs, shaped by the emotions of personal and world events.  The heartfelt “Cancer’s Creation” concerns Rogers’ health ordeal and powerfully captures the fear and uncertainty.  The lively “Maybe Someday” and acoustic “Half Way” speak of personal struggles, while “What Would The Man Say?” and “River's Running Wide” ("God looks down upon us people, hoping we will take His side”) see the bigger picture. The pensive mood is brought to a hopeful conclusion with the final cut, and first single, “Turned Away.”

Sounding much like the BoDeans, especially on the title track, it is well played with variety as a Peter Frampton-like talkbox and E-Bow make appearances. Rather than wrapping up memorably, songs sometimes just kind of end, but otherwise the production is top-notch.

So, take a “Stand” and add this fine CD to your collection, available through www.RiseFan.com.

Track Listing
01. Stand The Line
02. Cancer's Creation
03. What Would The Man Say
04. Follow Him Home
05. Half Way
06. Maybe Someday
07. River's Running Wide
08. Fakers And Fools
09. Guardian Angel
10. Turned Away