Artist: Fighting Jacks Album: The Dying Art of Life Label: Tooth & Nail Records Rating: 6 out of 10

One of the best pure rock albums Tooth & Nail Records has released in quite a while, the Fighting Jacks' full-length debut, The Dying Art of Life, is sure to please fans of energetic, punk-influenced alt-rock. The best tracks here fall on the harder side of the spectrum, when the band comes across like a potent blend of the Foo Fighters and Christian-punk favorites Ghoti Hook. Opener "Farewell Seniors" gets things going right away with tough riffs, a breakneck pace and alternately sung and screamed vocals. Elsewhere, the Jacks lean in a punkier direction, with new single "Whirlpools" standing out from the pack with its juxtaposition of spare, slower verses and a bright, fast chorus that seems to come out of nowhere. However, unlike some bands of their ilk, the Jacks also shine when they drop the tempo and let down their guard, like on the emo-leaning closer "...Of a Dear Friend." Another stand-out track, "Chercher," sees the group pairing sparse, keyboard-accented verses with a raw, grungy chorus. It's one of the few times on Dying that the production isn't so glossy, and it must be said that, on the whole, that's one of the album's weak points. Though everything sounds great - with the rhythm section being especially powerful - there's also not much that jumps out and grabs you, making for an overly-homogenized listen. Some of the blame for that has to be laid at the band's feet, though, as the lack of really strong hooks or distinctive riffs sinks a three or four otherwise solid songs. But the Jacks are a young band, and one that, if given the opportunity to grow, could become a very compelling and original group. For now, The Dying Art of Life is good enough to satisfy modern-rock fans looking for a well-crafted record that seems driven by real passion, not manufactured angst. Keep an eye on these guys. - Todd Thatcher