There has been surprising little rock n roll in Christian rock. No matter what Grandma tells you, the presence of loud, roaring guitars does not automatically guarantee a rock n roll album. In fact, precious few albums are real rock n roll anymore. For the CCM industry the past number of years has only brought alternative (whatever the heck that is) and radio rock (your typical Creed and Korn impressions). The closest thing CCM can get to real rock n roll is stuff like The Elms or Squad Five-0.
And now we've got the Dizmas. Like Squad or The Elms, there are more than a few elements that keep me from whole heartedly proclaiming a new CCM rock n roll revival, however, they come as close as we can get. Indeed, if I had to choose between the three artists, I'd take the Dizmas hands down.
Track one, "Revolution," is the Dizmas' "Speaking In Tongues." It's got the high energy, snotty attitude, and swinging guitar solos. Like the afore mentioned Elms track, it is the song that really makes you think rock n roll on the album. And like the Elms' CD, the rock n roll moments on the rest of the album are rarer. However, what the Dizmas do differently is write good, catchy songs that don't need to be rocking out to enjoy.
"Redemption, Passion, Glory" is the worst song on the album, and as a result, it'll probably be the one headed for the radio as a single. It is the blandest track, but also one that should get stuck in kid's heads, making them want the CD.
Indeed, the Dizmas will become big in the CCM market. New copies of "On A Search in America" sport a sticker proclaiming how the Dizmas can currently be seen on tour with Pillar. And the Pillar fans are listening. I've seen Pillar fans with Dizmas IM buddy icons.
No, the Dizmas aren't really rock n roll. But they are the closest thing the CCM industry has seen for a while. And what they lack in genuine rock, they make up for in writing really catchy songs.
2.5/4
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #114Reviewed by Mark FisherDizmas boldly threatens the world of music with their debut release. Hailing from the “deserts of Southern California,” the band rocks with a energetic blend of sunset strip rock n’ roll circa 1985 and radio friendly melodic rock. The band is certainly not shy about writing anthem songs, but they manage to write them without ever being whiny, holier than thou, or so angry that they are blinded by…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Bert GanglWhile almost all aspiring rock musicians have undoubtedly had to face their fair share of obstacles on their way to fame, Zach Zegan's biggest hurdle may well have been his own mom, who informed the singer that he couldn't start a band unless his kid brother, Josh, came along for the ride. With the younger Zegan duly in tow, Zach (a mere 14 years old at the time) enlisted drummer Clayton Hunt,…Similar sounding releases
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