Fighting Jacks

San Jose melodic punk-pop outfit Fighting Jacks came together in 2000, built around Casey Linstrum, Cory Linstrum, Mike Hoppe, and Mike Wright, who had previously played together in the ska-punk band Freeto Boat. The group wasted little time cutting and issuing the self-released EP Inside Trade Agreement, whose local impact quickly led to a string of intensive shows along the entire West Coast. In early 2003 the quartet inked a deal with Seattle’s independent Tooth & Nail after several major-label showcases produced no offers; though smaller in scale, the label’s roster and ethos aligned with the band’s Christian-leaning outlook. Shortly after contracts were finalized, Mike Wright left and was succeeded on drums by Jon Sontag, formerly of FAN5. The Dying Art of Life reached stores in late October 2003.