On 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 comments, "We wanted to do a record that would not only be accepted in the Christian market, but that would be considered great in the secular market as well. A record that was in your face with huge production and a level of technical excellence that would be obvious to anyone who hears it."
The Insyderz have definitely delivered a quality record. As their web page says, "Fight of My Life is the definitive mix of punk, ska, reggae and heavy metal. It's not the third wave...it's not the fourth wave...it's the tidal wave, mixing ska with pop sensibilities." I don't know if I'd call it the 'tidal wave', but it is quite a mix of different styles. From straight up ska, to a heavy metal/hardcore mix, to a slow instrumental with a Caribbean feel--this album is all over the stylistic map. At first it takes you by surprise, but the songs will grow on you. The lyrics are still solid, ranging from the paradise of heaven, to Christ being our missing puzzle piece, to forgiveness. And believe it or not, lead singer Joe Yerke manages to brush up his usually scratchy vocals for most of the ten songs. For those of you who think ska is dead, consider this the Insyderz's last stand. And they put up a good fight.
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).…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Stacey Lee FeldmanWith 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…
