Reviewed by Tony Cummings

There are a couple of killer lines on the song "If This Ain't Love" which go "Never thought I could love again. this time I was wrong." Arise were a group from New York who in the '90s were struggling to get the attention of the movers and shakers in the Christian music industry. They never quite managed though the best of the tracks on 'Heaven's Balcony' - the aforementioned "If This Ain't Love" and the danceable "New Style" - SHOULD have caught the ear of at least one big label executive. Production here by one Keith Marrett is pretty good for a low budget project (though the syndrum heard on "New Style" clearly dates the track), the harmonies of Arise are all there and the group have two distinctively soulful lead singers. If you're a fan of Commissioned, Winans et al you may well want to investigate Arise.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.