This week, I had the privilege of listening to Building 429’s “Live the Journey.” Released from the Provident Distribution label of Essential Records, it was definitely a collaborative effort. The four-man band consisting of Jason Roy (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Anderson (drums), Jesse Garcia (guitars) and Aaron Branch (bass) was joined in songwriting by Jason Ingram, Matt Hammitt, Mia Fieldes and others, along with several of the project’s producers. This album was produced by a plethora of talents, and the contribution of these talents has proven to be worthwhile, in my opinion. The myth that “too many cooks spoil the broth” obviously doesn’t apply to making music.
Building 429 chose their name from Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This newest effort holds true to the focus of building up and encouraging their listeners. According to the album’s liner notes, “we spent ourselves completely, in an effort to bring you [the listeners] something that would speak life into your spirit. We hope it does just that….thank you...for every time that you choose to listen to our music to lift you up.”
Building 429 is best known for pop anthems “Where I Belong” and “We Won’t Be Shaken.” The pop stylings of “Live the Journey” are similar to previous albums but not in a manner that seems repetitious. In the same way a family resemblance can be seen among siblings, the listener can tell “Live the Journey” is a Building 429 project. The group stays true to its mandate, keeping the focus on the love of God, the faith they cling to and the hope in Him.
The album opens with “You Can,” a track that goes against today’s self-help gurus by reminding the listener, “(I) can’t conquer a giant/ Or shut the mouth of a lion/ I know that I am just a man/ But I am in Your hands, and You can.”
“The Journey” has a driving acoustic accompaniment that caught my attention, but its message of reassurance was what drew me in.
Songs like “Assurance”, “The Same God” and “Closer” remind us of the faithfulness of God, while “Shame Doesn’t Live Here” speaks to the guilt and regret most of us deal with from time to time.
All told, I think Building 429 is living up to its name and reputation with “Live the Journey.”
Fast facts
- Building 429 originated in North Carolina in 2000 and first signed a recording contract in 2003.
- It released its debut self-titled album in 2004.
- Fifteen years later, the band has released several full-length albums and an EP.
Tracey Evison, a musician and educator on P.E.I., writes this column for The Guardian every second Saturday. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].
