The band's evolution away from post-grunge toward adult alternative that began on Iris to Iris continues on this disc. The self-titled effort suggests that the band, now down to a trio and with a new record label, has found its own niche. For the most part this is the case, with a bigger yet catchier sound that poses a surprisingly appropriate alternative to emo-rock. Step by step, Building 429 have developed into one of the Christian scene's most accessible rock outfits, with tracks like "Bring Me Back," "Erase," and "End of Me" contributing to the end result. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
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, All Music Guide
The Gospel Music Association's 2005 New Artist of the Year didn't fall completely susceptible to the sophomore slump on Rise. The follow-up to their smash debut Space in Between Us walks the same line between neo-grunge and adult alternative as Lifehouse, Jeremy Camp and Kutless. Though formulaic in its approach, the album shines with earnest lyrics and gimmick-free power riffs. Rather than following in the path of Switchfoot by leaving lyrical interpretations to the listener, Jason Roy and company rely on messages that are virtually impossible to misinterpret. This makes most songs easy to digest, but it also causes the album to suffer from a lack of momentum, particularly in the middle. Their flirtations with modern rock beg for more exploration. The album starts with the promising rock anthems "Searching for a Savior" and "Fearless," the latter of which draws easy comparisons to Default. After that point, the band settles into a holding pattern of sorts, albeit one that produces a succession of alternative radio hits like "Home" and "I Belong to You." The most curious addition is their interpretation of Blessid Union of Souls' "I Believe," which takes several listens to realize its place on a rock record. Rise leaves you with the premonition that Building 429 is only a couple of fist-pumping hits away from greatness. After all, Lifehouse had the mega-hit ballad "You and Me," but what put them on the map was the toe-tapping pace of "Hanging by a Moment." ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide