Description of Become Who You Are by Mainstay
The road to Mainstay’s sophomore album from BEC Recordings, Become Who You Are, was not the path of ease, least resistance, or even just convenience. But the Minneapolis-based modern rock quartet is fine with that, according to front man Justin Anderson, as they simply mined the challenges of life to add to the album’s already significant potency. Band members Anderson, drummer Ryan DeYounge, guitarist Scott Campbell, and bassist Dan Ostebo have traveled from their early suburban garage beginnings, through a more sophisticated season as a college band, to land finally at widespread interest and acclaim from audiences. So they know a bit already about growing pains. Their 2006 debut album, Well Meaning Fiction, came out of the gate fast and hard, making a resounding impact with singles “Take Away” and “These Pages” before landing the band on the short list of “the year’s best new artists,” compiled by Jesusfreakhideout.com.
The debut brought the rockers respect from fans and industry insiders alike for their unflinching willingness to both address the church and make themselves personally vulnerable. Along with more riveting guitar riffs and madly melodic songwriting, Become Who You Are continues the boldly open trend, and for all the right reasons.