Guitar rock new comers Big Dismal, are
presently doing the rounds of the U.S.
There is absolutely no doubt that the Tallahassee
quartet will hit the mainstream like flies to shit. Apparently the moniker
came from their view of ‘living in dismal times’ and their heroic quest
to bring a bit of positive attitude to it. But to be honest, considering
the past years world events, I doubt the word ‘dismal’ is appropriate in
contrast to the general lyric-fest of heartache whined out by vocalist
Eric Durrance.
I’m not against this extremely important
and relevant topic, voiced by many throughout their music, but please,
do not stand tall like Hercules, saving the world from ‘dismal times’ when
there is much shittier stuff going on than being dumped by your girlfriend.
‘Too Pretty’ has a strong flavour of catchy
country-rock, with Durrance sounding like a cross between mainstream watered-down
rocker Alex Band from The Calling, and that guy from Theory Of A Deadman
with the porno-esque ‘tache.
‘Just The Same’ could easily be picked
from any chick flick with a ‘swooning over lost love’ moment with its romantic,
head nodding acoustic feel. This song sums up perfectly why the mainstream
will pick up Big Dismal, quick as a flash.
Their music will not only entice the same
audience as the similar sounding The Calling etc, but it will make every
alt-country rocker whoop with joy with something brand new and exciting
to get their teeth into.
Maybe ‘new’ isn’t the right word for any
non-country rockers though, because as much as this band has the routine
formula for success, there’s nothing remotely ‘new’ about their sound.
Nothing that grabs you by the throat and hollors ‘check us out! We sound
awesome!’…or something similar to that.
A soft sounding pluck of a guitar melody,
on ‘Reality’, introduces a bass line, crashing cymbals and up tempo beat
that could easily be mistaken for Hoobastank with a young Chad Kroeger
on vox.
Durrance’s, attempt to reassure us during
‘Just The Same’ - “You look like you could use a friend, I’m not
like all the rest...” - fall on dead ears, as unluckily for Big Dismal,
that’s exactly what they are.
Posted by ZigZag:
Come on guys...let's not resort to name calling when it comes to this reviewer, especially if you call yourself a Christian. Rachael can have her opinion, though I agree it sounded a tad vengeful. From what I have heard, this group has a great sound...my only problem is that their lyrics could have been more Christ-centered. Big Dismal really could be considered a secular band with positive lyrics. People can relate to the words, but will they learn about the Gospel, or think about God's love for them during these songs?
Posted by Angela:
Big Dismal is pretty good--I saw them last night on the See Spot Rock Tour. I've been listening to them since their CD came out. try doin' a little research on a band before you dis them. the point of their music is to be encouraging. and by the line "i'm not like all the rest"--well, i feel it means something along the lines of he's not supposed to be like everyone else, cause he's Christian. so, how bout you brush up on Big Dismal, and listen to the music with a non-critical ear, and use how it makes you feel instead?
Posted by Big Dave:
Wasn't sure what to think until I saw them live at the See Spot Rock Tour in Cleveland, OH. They are far better than one could possibly hope for and they are a huge welcome to the Alternative Christian music seen!
Posted by blah:
this review sucks...next time you review a band actually learn something about them first doofus! big dismal rocks 9/10!
Posted by greg:
Hey enough reality i guess you got told. Since there is no redeeming quality in any secular music except sell promotion and idol worship !
Posted by dismal fan:
Hey Rache, lighten up. I give your review about a 9/10 on the tension scale. Has this band done something personally to you? Is it the music or the content that actually offends you? I will pray for you, I mean that sincerely.
Posted by phireproof@hotmail.com:
The reviewer, as you can see, knows very little about this band. Bid Dismal is a great band, its one of those in my collection that when I listen to it, I never have to skip any songs. And his voice is awesome especially when he plays acoustic where you can hear it really well. I give them a 9/10 stars....and reviewer, um.....dont quit your dayjob....lol
Posted by TheFabSolo:
I absolutely love Big dismal and it's sorry to think that the reviewer is so narrow minded and quite ignorant when it comes to vocabulary
Posted by herman:
this is the best stuff on christian radio. on christian radio.
Posted by ReconED:
Nice job in using the "S" word twice to describe a Christain band. Dork.
Posted by MC:
I like this CD way more than the reviewer. To each their own I guess. Great Sound! 9/10.
Posted by no-fan:
Hey doofus...the band's name is from a very large sinkhole in Tallahasse when the band comes from.
