Reviewed by Ewan Jones

The second album from the Minneapolis-based band is a slick package, an intelligently written, addictive record with memorable choruses, tight playing and sharp production. The songs flow with a natural ease; they are technical and varied but accessible on first listen and familiar by the third and fourth. The title track is a strong opener with a storming chorus, laying down the challenge, and the theme, that ties the 13 tracks together. Reflective "Where Your Heart Belongs" is a powerful love song to the lost and the prodigal ("You're not alone/Come to the Cross/Let me show you where your heart belongs") which leads into "Am I Keeping You?", a rocker that serves to lift the pace. "Story" echoes Paul proclaiming "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of those who believe" as the chorus repeats "I will tell your story/For the world to hear/Of your great love and how it rescued me". Lyrically, the songs presented here are wise, intelligent, honest and heartfelt. They are overflowing with descriptions of God's grace, mercy and his great love. Touring with Jeremy Camp in the US has encouraged the band to branch out and embrace a focus on worship. Any criticisms at all? Well, perhaps with Mainstay having taken a reflective approach, rock fans may feel short-changed at the high proportion of slower, acoustic numbers. However, this album is a cut above most other guitar stuff getting released and comes recommended for those who like a bit of depth to their rock and musically it will definitely appeal to fans of U2 and Switchfoot.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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