The past few years have brought on many new acts, all promising great things with impressive debuts and continuous touring to promote their music. Another artist to add to this already promising list that includes Red, Family Force 5, Jackson Waters, and others, is a band from the South, High Flight Society. Already picking up speed with impressive radio singles like "Declaration" and "Sweet Redeemer," this band is definitely going to be making some noise in music circles everywhere.

High Flight Society brings the rock on many levels on their self-titled debut, and displays some definite promise of staying power. The riff-laden "Learn To Let Go" is a standout track, along with the radio-friendly "Sweet Redeemer," which speaks of the love of our Savior. The power-packed "What's Wrong" poses the question, 'why should Christians be ashamed of what they believe?" and takes back the freedom we once had from those who try to take it from us, offering lyrics like "You say our ideas are wrong / But we've been taking this too long / I cannot accept that / I will not accept that." The band's popular single on iTunes, "Declaration," serves as another shout out to proclaiming Christ in our lives.

The band never takes a break from the upbeat feel on their debut, only slowing down on tracks like the rock ballad "Escaping," and the album closer "Get By." Even on the latter, the song is slow until the last minute where lead singer Jason Wilkes' vocals soar to great heights, and makes for an impressive end to the disc. Throughout the entire album, the singer stretches his voice to seemingly endless points, yet all the while keeping his feet on the ground. Another redeeming factor that is sure to impress is the length of the record. With no songs shorter than three minutes plus, it makes for a great rock album with some added length.

As the summer months begin, High Flight Society is a driving force that has what it takes to be around for awhile. With songs that are sure to garner a few radio singles and some hard-hitting rock thrown in for good measure, it will be interesting to see where this young band goes with the popularity they are sure to win, both in the Christian realm and beyond.

- Review date: 5/25/07, written by Justin Mabee