With just one album (and one worship project) to their credit, the Insyderz have quickly become one of the most popular ska bands around because of the hot, hoppin', rockin' tone of their own style. For their latest album, Fight Of My Life, they have managed to grow beyond the specific ska genre and keep the fun alive without losing the thing which makes them so popular. They have pulled ska into the rock arena, propelling the horns and syncopated rhythms into the future until they break down all definitions of what ska is. Of course, this probably has to be done if they're going to survive longer than the trend-of-the-day - and I think they're going to do it.
Fight Of My Life goes beyond ska or ska-core into modern rock and even a little reggae, utilizing the whole band flexed to the limits of their skills. Guitarist Kyle Wasil switches effortlessly from ska rhythm to down-and-dirty hard rock guitar riffs, and bassist Beau McCarthy follows his every move flawlessly. Vocalist Joe Yerke proves he can do more than just growl out raps - which he does plenty of on this album - he actually sings! And he's good! "Paradise" features some of his finest work yet; it's so good I almost mistook him for someone else in the band.
But don't think the band has abandoned ska. Oh no. From the first notes of "Jig Saw" to the poppy "Fight Of My Life" to "Forgive And Forget," you can tell they still belong to "ska-mania." It's a bit toned down or scaled back, and the album relies more on rock to carry the sound than typical ska, but it's still there in full force. In the mix, you'll detect hints of pop and even soul ("Game Day") with plenty of modern rock and punk-like slam ("The Hunted") to crank it up. Fight Of My Life is a lot lighter in mood than Motor City Ska, but just as exciting and loud.
Compared to other favored ska bands, the Insyderz draw from a lot of different sources to create their unique brand of "ska-core." A good example is "The Hunted," which is dark and grungy like a lot of tracks off Motor City Ska, but suddenly breaks down into ethereal, chant-like vocals that become a real throwback reggae rant. Yerke and drummer Nate Sjogren share the rapping duties, and both do it very well. Also check out "Trinidad," a short little instrumental that puts one in mind of tropical island breezes and the tango - it's a smooth party song. Then, for your '80s flashback, they throw in an able cover of The Police's "Just What I Needed" to make you grin. Producers Barrett Jones (Foo Fighters) and Paul Hampton (Skeletones) have whipped these kids into a lean, mean, rock-n-roll machine, polished and mature, but still crazy as ever.
The lyrics on Fight Of My Life show that serious thoughts can be contained within the fun atmosphere. The title track portrays the spiritual war with realistic images of "brass knuckles and baseball bats," and the need to fight with, not against, your brothers. "Paradise" wonders what heaven will be like after seeing the beauty of nature down here, and "Jig Saw" calls Christ the missing piece of the puzzle everyone is searching for, though they're always looking in the wrong places. The most serious message is contained in "Forgive And Forget," which Yerke wrote as a letter to his father, who walked out a few years ago. Yerke admits, "...I've struggled with forgiving him. If Christ can forgive me for all the things I do to Him, I can forgive others for what they do to me." The song's message is plaintive and moving, valuable for everyone to understand, while hopeful because it's part of an energetic, loud song. There's some great things being said all over this album, if you just take the time to listen.
Insyderz fans waiting eagerly for this album will not be disappointed. It's fantastic on all fronts - musically and lyrically. You don't have to be a ska fan to love this album; it's got plenty of rockin' riffs and mosh-able rhythm for anyone who likes to rock. The creative touches and experiments with the style make the Insyderz one of the best (and possibly the most creative) ska bands. Fight Of My Life is, in a nutshell, impressive.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #75Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernIn just a few short years, this group has become one of the most highly respected ska bands in the Christian market. Joe Yerke's gritty, yet variety-conscious vocals can compete with the likes of the Bosstones, etc. Songs like "Forgive And Forget" and "The Hunted" have the coolest rock guitar I've heard yet on a ska record, and the latter includes even more vocal variety (rap, chant, and reggae).…ReAL Magazine 1998Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksOn October 27, 1998 the third Insyderz release in one and a half years hit store shelves. The new album, Fight of My Life, will be a big change for the Motor City Boyz. Their last album, Skallelujah, was a collection of worship and praise songs that has always been a part of the Insyderz concert experience. In contrast, Fight of My Life is geared for the mainstream crowd. Bassist Beau McCarthy…
