why does it matter if a band is mainstream?
If you like them, listen to them.
Rise Against happens to be my favorite band, and at what Reg said, I've heard of NOFX and Rancid and I don't like them one bit. It's not a matter of mainstream/underground, but what you like.
Pretty sure this is in the wrong place.
But yeah, Rise Against are "Mainstream" and in my opinion punk posers.
If you want real punk listen to Rancid or NOFX.
i wouldnt consider them mainstream in the UK. besides, they don't declare themselves as playing punk music, they just make whatever they want and enjoy doing it.
i went to see rise live at the manchester apollo in november, best night ever. favourite songs? disparity by design, drones, this is letting go, though i like pretty much all of them.