Christian, Gangster, Ska? Yes, you read that right, The Detroit based "Insyderz" have devised a whole new strain of ska wave. Additionally this 1920s Gangster clad six piece has a mission: "To represent the gospel of Christ to the needy and lost as well as put on the finest rock and roll show in the world," with their debut "Fight Of My Life."

Combing the stylings of ska, punk, reggae, metal and the occasional rap (a la Puffy) twist, The Insyderz have coined a fairly unique sound that lands them some where between the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Hepcat. The catchy hooks, addictive bob-along reggae beats and speak easy style horn solos soon have you forgetting that these guys are spreading "the good word." I personally don't mind Christian rock when it's served up subtle enough that so that I am not choking on the good book.

I have to say Joe York (vocals,) Nate Siobhan (drums,) Kyle Wassail (guitar,) Beau McCarthy (bass,) Ram Robbers (trumpet) and Sang Kim (trombone) most certainly took me by surprise with this record. At first spin my immediate reaction was, "Oh no, not another Bosstones ripoff, and a Christian band to boot.This just won't work". I must say I stand corrected. These guys most certainly have a command of their style. This record pops in all the right places, and theriffs are heavy enough and the harmonies and horn solos are slick enough to make the Christian side of this band pass almost unnoticeably.

Tracks to check out are "Jigsaw," "Paradise," "Game Day," and of course a most interesting cover of the Cars' classic "Just What I Needed." All in all "The Insyderz" have put forth a pretty solid effort here. "Fight Of My Life" is most certainly worth a trip to the record store and I personally would be interested to see what these guys can do live.