Fighting Instinct (CD)

While these North Carolina rockers were probably far too young to experience the likes of Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jimi Hendrix in their respective heydays, the epic sensibility of these legends’ music lives on with Fighting Instinct’s self-titled debut.

But before one can dismiss this band as simply a guitar-heavy throwback, Fighting Instinct blends the vibe of these vintage influences with sounds from today’s modern rock scene and plenty of soul for a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Adeptly produced by Skidd Mills (Skillet, Saliva, 3 Doors Down), the album’s 10 songs seem tailor-made for radio airplay but don’t lose their substance in the process. Lead single “You Don’t Know?” is easily the disc’s most instantly memorable selection with an insanely clever hook and lyrics that address the band’s motivation for why it’s doing what it’s doing. Hint: Becoming rock stars isn’t what’s really important to these guys.

And rather than embracing generalities like many of its peers, the band opts for more introspective fare that allows listeners to have a more personal connection to it on stand-out offerings such as the it’s-time-to-grow-up themed “Back to You,” the relationship-based “Crush” and “I Found Forever,” which best demonstrates the band’s ability to rock it Southern-style.

While the formula that Fighting Instinct has come up with isn’t exactly new, the songs are so well-conceived that you don’t care. And with a debut this good, it really can only get better with a little more life experience and time well spent on the road.

CHRISTA A. BANISTER

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com