There was just something special about coming of age in the 2000s era of Christian rock. It seemed everywhere you looked, there was another rock band with its own flavor of guitar-driven rock. Yet there was still an undeniable signature to the era's plethora of sounds. Mainstay was a band that was easy to miss during their tenure. They only released two albums and didn't top the Christian music charts like some of their contemporaries. I've recently dived into their two full-length albums to get reacquainted with them.
Well-Meaning Fiction
The band's debut, Well-Meaning Fiction, features several underrated gems. "These Pages" carries everything you'd want in 2000s rock. Spine-tingling harmonies, crunchy guitar hooks, soaring melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. It, along with the title track, shows a band willing to challenge listeners' complacency. "These Pages" calls out those adding meaning to the Bible that was never present, and challenges listeners to find the words' actual meaning instead of a watered-down interpretation. "Well-Meaning Fiction" calls out those who water down the faith to make it more palatable. While some may mean well in their efforts, they ultimately sell a fictitious Jesus to people by hiding his truth. Songs like "Overnight on Nicollet" and "October Came Late" detail raw life experiences through a Christian lens.
I appreciate the band's candor in addressing both everyday struggles like loneliness and relational loss, while also offering unflinching spiritual truths. And yet, the music never sounds cheesy. The band consistently retains this indie rock feel that made the 2000s rock scene hold such a place for so many. The music still feels so fresh and honest, even 20 years later.
Become Who You Are
My only real exposure to Mainstay back in the 2000s was their hit song "Believe," from their second album, Become Who You Are. Air1 radio network played the heck out of the song when it was current. Looking back, I really appreciate the song's harmonic and melodic highlights. It's a simple song declaring belief in Christ, even in our darkest hours. The song hits all the right emotional notes, making it a memorable cut. Songs like the title track focus on finding our true identities in Christ, while "Hang On" encourages us to persevere even when circumstances are tough. The band notches more highlights with "Roads," "Story," and the exuberant "Stars Are Singing."
While this album feels a bit more polished than the raw emotion of their debut, it still retains a refreshing purity in both the music and the lyrics. When everything feels so incredibly overproduced and artificial, rediscovering Mainstay has been a treat. It's a shame I didn't get to properly appreciate them the first time around. Maybe one day we'll hear something from them again.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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