Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Mainstay
Mainstay EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 4 tracks
Street Date: 2005


For those unfamiliar with new act Mainstay, as I was before hearing this EP, the band recently signed with BEC Recordings and is currently placing the finishing touches on their debut album Well Meaning Fiction, which is due out in February. The EP being reviewed here is mostly a teaser of this album along with a couple bonus acoustic tracks. With only four songs, it gives only a glimpse into what will be seen when Well Meaning Fiction is released, but the glimpse is quite an impressive one.

The first two tracks, "Mirrors" and "This Could Be," are cuts directly pulled from the upcoming album. Both have the sound of a hit waiting to happen, featuring a great blend of electric guitar and some softer piano. Instrumentally, the band's maturity shines brightly and lead singer Justin Anderson's vocals are right on the mark.

As good as the two first tracks are, the real treat comes in the second half of the disc. "Take Away" is a solemn but bold confession to God, acknowledging, "It's all from Your hand / and there's nothing that's mine / and all that You give / You're free to take away." The beautifully simplistic song will also be present on the band's full length release, but may have less of a broken down feel than the version here, which features just an acoustic guitar, piano, and soft percussion.

The album ends with "Life as a Vapor." which includes only Anderson and his guitar. The song is lyrically powerful, wrestling with a life where "We're chasing / all that is fading / What will last when / all of this burns from this dream / you awaken." Mainstay is a group not afraid to pose tough questions about God, life, and themselves.

Though only a short preview of what is to come, Mainstay's EP clearly shows the band's ability to make true, passionate music. Though they will no doubt be compared to other artists of their genre, Mainstay stands out from the rest, and certainly deserves some attention.

- Review date: 12/7/05, written by Spencer Priest




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: BEC Recordings
. Album length: 4 tracks
. Street Date: 2005

  1. Mirrors
  2. This Could Be
  3. Take Away (Acoustic, Non-Album Version)
  4. Life as a Vapor (Acoustic, Non-Album Version)
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images