Rise: Stand the Line

RISE Reviews

Rise "Stand the Line" Reviews

The second offering from Rise, Stand the Line, shows continuing development of the group’s electrified country-rock sound. The title track, which opens the CD, grabs the ear with a mix of a steady beat, guitar, and organ, and lyrics that speak of the struggle of maintaining faith in the world: “It never came easy, to stand the line.”

“Turned Away,” the first single from the album, might be an anthem of the repentant prodigal son, on his way home to the love of the Father, but not quite there yet: It has a mournful, yet hopeful tone—“You were there and I just turned away.” “Follow Him Home” follows a similar theme, placed in a ballad setting, reminding us that it’s never too late to “follow Him home.”

Striking on the latest Rise CD are Mike Beloud’s electric guitar solos which complement the dominant acoustic backups. A generation before us may have teared up at a classical violin solo; Mike’s guitar work can have a similar effect on baby-boomers and later.

Rise arrives at Stand the Line after appearing and performing at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, last summer with a new drummer, Mike Partain. Mike comes from a Protestant background, but plans to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter.

Stand the Line is simply good rock and roll listening, while telling stories of struggles and triumphs of living a spiritual life.
Paul Sadek, Grape Vine Magazine

From: Christ Word Today
Hector Lopez, Rise Fan Numero Uno!

Hello Fellow Rise fans my name is Hector Lopez. Today I am going to tell you a little about a group named Rise and their new CD, Stand the line.

Stand the line is their newest CD and to me it is a great CD. I know some of you have not heard about them or their music, so what I am going to do is tell you about the band their mission and their new CD. First, I am going to tell you how I first heard their music and how I became their biggest fan. One year ago, I was at my Church Fiesta and I was walking by the stage when I heard this band playing. I sat down and as soon as I heard their music I felt the Holy Spirit hit me.

At that time, they only had their first CD out which was Through the son. That music was great and I felt that I had to get that CD so after they finished playing I ask if they had CD for sell and they did, so I got it the guys from Rise where so nice that they signed the CD and till this day I have the CD and I listen to it everyday.

Well that is a little about how I came to be their biggest fan. I think that the band mission is to get the word out about our great Faith and to help with the youth out in anyway they can. Let me tell you a little about their first CD and which songs are my favorite and this songs change my life. If you listen to these songs I know you will feel the Holy Spirit hit you. These songs are in their first CD. Sing a song for Jesus, Through the Son, Brother in arms and you’re all that it is. These are my favorite songs but I could tell you that their first CD is as good as the second. Their first CD has changed many lives and I could sit here as God as my witness it has changed my life like many others.

Well now to get to the main CD, which is their new one STAND THE LINE. I think this CD is very good and very sad let me explain. Well first, let me Rate this CD on a scale of one to ten. This CD is a 15, meaning it is very good. This CD is just another step in their ongoing mission to spread the word of God and our faith. The songs that are the best which I recommend you listen to are Cancer’s Creation, what would the man say and halfway home. Cancer’s Creation makes me cry yes a grown man cry but it is about the fight of lead singer Steve Rogers fight against cancer. Thank god he got better and he is doing what he is doing. All and all I want to say a couple last things I am telling all you people who have not heard this great band to go out and see them perform and or buy their CD’s THROUGH THE SON AND STAND THE LINE. Also visit their website at www.risefan.com thanks for you time and may God bless all of you.

From: Christian Rockers Online

Rise, "Stand The Line"
Release Date- Out Now
Rating- 9.20
by C.W. Ross

Although this CD was just released in 2006 it was actually recorded between the year's 2003 to 2005. I mention this because during that time terrorist's attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq was happening on the world scene. Add to that the band was going through their own personal struggles with band member Steve Rogers year long battle with cancer and a scandal happening at their church.

Set against that backdrop you might think that this release would be filled with messages of despair and hopelessness. Instead those issues are tackled with song lyrics that have an overriding feeling of hope and strength that comes from family, friends and most importantly faith.

The CD definitely has a rock and roll feel with the electric guitar parts but you'll also find a softer more melodic side on several of the songs. On two of those songs you'll find really strong acoustic guitar work from guest artist Chris Rogers, who is also the brother of band member Steve Rogers. You'll also hear some nice drum work that's content to stay out of the main spotlight while still adding a strong presence to the songs. Some bands are afraid to take on the tough issues of the world thankfully this band isn't one of them.

This release is not only great for its music but also for the subjects it tackles through the CD's song lyrics.

From: Catholic Music Zine
Paul Schultz

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.

From: Cross Rhythms Magazine, U.K.

...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...

Rise Song "Stand the Line" wins an award from GarageBand.com!
Out of nearly 1,200 songs in the running...

Stand the Line received the GarageBand.com Reviewers Pick Award
For Best Lyrics in Rock, week of June 5, 2006

FROM: Garage Band.com reviews
comments on the song "Stand the Line"

Play it Twice, It's that Nice
great feeling rock song. music is tight. drums sound great. nice kick, awesome snare, fills and crashes very tasteful. great guitar sound with a really great solo, just enough to make you want more. keyboards are used very nicely, just enough. vocals are very distinctive, familiar, yet very original. i had to play it twice, it was that good. Rick Jackson, Havana Florida

Nice!
it's nice to hear some b-3 kicking in. The players all served the song instead of there ego. Sounds like someone has spent a lot time and effort in his songwriting skills. nice strong arrangement. killer lyrics. Axxeman6, Aiken, South Carolina

FUN HAPPY VIBE
I liked the feel and vibe of this song, made me feel like it was a good great fun vibe. the acoustic guitars were great.
G. Hernandez, Sherman Oaks, California

Fan Comments

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reviewer: Tracy
You all rock! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

WOW! Great CD, the music and lyrics are truly inspired!
Reviewer: Dale H.
The music is great, it feels familiar and I want to sing with the band. The lyrics are inspired and I feel the Holy Spirit in me when I listen to this rockin' music. I bought one for me and one to give to a friend.

RISE Rocks!!!!,
Reviewer: Susan E.

This band is quite simply awesome! I have never been much of a fan of Christian music. While the lyrics are often inspirational, the music can lull you to sleep. Until now . . . I would challenge anyone to sleep through "Stand The Line"!

Strong male voices command your attention to lyrics that challenge the soul. The studio-recorded tracks are nothing less than perfectly balanced - the music rocks! Congrats, RISE, on this great release. Now make us another one!!

THESE GUYS ROCK!
Reviewer: G Man

...If there's a Rock n' Roll heaven, you can bet RISE will be headlining!

Rise in the news!

Agape Press Headline!

Catholic Music Network Article

SHRN Interview

Rocking Catholic Converts Create Cancer Survivor Song

WWW.RISEFAN.COM