Search - Big Dismal :: Believe

Rare, Passionate, and Solid

Sean Lowery | Winter Park, FL United States | 09/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wind-Up Records has a good talent for finding good talent. Most of their best artists are under-rated, however. For instance, CREED is their staple artist, their pride and joy, but I feel that this Big Dismal is not a "recycling" or a copy, or even similar to all three of CREED's CDs (which I own, love, and have memorized). I feel very strongly that this CD is BETTER. The songs are easier to empathize with, because they are interpretable in several ways. "Remember (I.O.U.)", the first single, could be contributed to God, family, friends, teachers, almost anybody that could have an influence on life. They are a Christian band, but they don't preach.In short, there is not a track on this debut album that is not utterly fantastic. Several young bands make the mistake of having songs sound similar and run together to make for a boring, lacklustre CD. There is not a track here that emulates the others, yet Big Dismal manages to have a sound of their own.I give this CD 5 stars without any hesitation. This is for people who don't like their rock to be pointless or volume-driven, but hook and riff driven. The band is young, but they make a good impression. And I "Believe"."

A unique blending of influences

Blossom | 11/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At hearing the first few seconds of this disc I, like many of the reviewers here, thought, "Another Creed knockoff."
Not so! (Thankfully)
After listening to the entire disc a few times it's obvious that the main similarity to Creed is the lead singer's vocals. But -- dare I say it? -- Big Dismal's vocals are better, more versatile. He's got a slight raspiness in there that reminds me more of Russ Taff or Third Day's Mac Powell, than of Scott Stapp.Musically, within the majority of these songs, even the heaviest rockers, there is the distinct presence of an acoustic guitar and the slight influence of southern rock. Think Third Day circa their "Conspiracy No. 5" disc but with a heavier, thicker rock sound. The "acoustic-ness" doesn't overshadow the heavy modern rock vibe this CD has, but really makes for a nice, even beautiful ("Missing You"), blending of the styles. Very unlike the slick, ultra-polished, pop-radio-friendly rock of Creed.Don't make the mistake of mis-judging this CD as Creed clone. There are many other subtle influences and versatility that make this disc a unique and awesome blend acoustic and modern rock. Don't miss this one!"

One Of The Best CD's Of The Year

Blossom | Roanoke, VA United States | 07/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hardly ever take the time to review a CD because most are not
worth the time. THIS ONE IS AN EXCEPTION. I listened to the song
Remember on the radio and fell in love with it. I have to agree
with a previous review, this is one of the few CD's that I can
put in and listen to from start to finish. Add this to your
collection YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT."