Talented Artist And Great Debut!
Posted June 12, 2007
By KevinMcNeese_NRT, Staff Reviewer
BEC Recordings, home to Jeremy Camp, Kutless and Falling Up among others) is quickly turning into a respectable and solid label. Mainstay, the latest act with the BEC stamp of approval, continues the label's streak of signing talented artists and groups.
Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Pedro the Lion, Anberlin), Mainstay's debut album, Well Meaning Fiction, is full of melodic, thought-provoking songs that will challenge both the believer and nonbeliever alike. "Absolutes are everywhere," singer Justin Anderson says, "and hopefully our music will allow everyone to think beyond themselves and get in touch with a Higher Purpose."
It's these absolutes and key themes of sin and repentance that set the tone for the entire album. Between the grinding guitars and ethereal piano nuances throughout "Mirrors" is encouragement to turn away from the emptiness of the world and filling in the gaps with faith that penetrates much deeper than temporary remedy. The momentum building "Yesterday" attempts to curb listeners out of longing for pointless nostalgia in favor of seizing each new day in Christ, while the speedy guitars and harmonies throughout "This Could Be" serves as an anti-stress out anthem of spiritual sustenance. Then there's the riveting "Take Away," a lushly brimming ballad about the sovereignty of God and His ability to transform people's hearts away from humanity's sinful state.
Mainstay's debut does find the band setting comfortably into a familiar sonic tone and by the end of the album, you find yourself wondering if you've heard the song already. However, given that Mainstay has obviously mastered the art of writing a decent hook, that's not such a bad thing. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinMcNeese_NRT | View KevinMcNeese_NRT's Profile
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