The lastest act to emerge from Gotee Records is Fighting Instinct. This three piece rock outfit hails from North Carolina, and bears a sound that seems to have been done by quite a few different bands already. It doesn't necessarily mean that their debut is a complete carbon copy of other bands, but results as a mixture of the now defunct Creed, 12 Stones, and perhaps a more melodic version of Disciple. Fighting Instinct has crafted a sound that mimics all of these, and TJ Harris' vocals combines all three of the previously named bands' lead singers into one rather different vocal.

The band's debut album is one where, especially in the harder rock songs, riffs aren't scarce, and where the band seems to shine the most is through those harder tracks. On their slower, more melodic songs, there's just seems to be something missing. There's a distinct passion for Christ in each song, even the track "Crush" which is clearly about a boy/girl relationship, but the words seem to show that Harris is looking at something stronger and more personal beyond an earthly relationship.

The major highlights of the album come in the strong rock tracks, which is on about two-thirds of the record. The ten-track release is decent from start to finish, with highlights such as the lead single "I Found Forever," the riff-laden "My Heart Cries Out" which features a tidbit of Harris' screams at the end, and the catchy "Light My Way," which is clearly a cry out to God for a better way to live. The ballads aren't all bad. Some, like "Crush" for example, could just use further tweaking, like where Harris' vocals could be cleaned up a little to flow better with the music.

This album is a good start to a career that could carry this small band. A little better production could help, but otherwise, this band can rock with the rest of them, even if they have a sound that isn't fully their own.

- Review date: 6/8/06, written by Justin Mabee