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Full Review: Dizmas - Self Titled
Posted on April 14th, 2008 by Tyler, under Full Reviews.
Dizmas are at an interesting point in their career with their new self titled album. The jump from indie to major is a huge one which doesn’t always go according to plan of attracting new fans while keeping the older ones.
Fortunately for Dizmas they’ve evolved to a style which adapts well for the wider audience they will hopefully be attracting. Unfortunately for the long time fans though, this is not really a new record, it’s simply a compilation of old songs with a few new ones added. A lot of times bands will go back and rerecord songs for a major label debut but for Dizmas (whether their choice or not) to only include a few news songs seems ridiculous.
The days of the band’s first record, ‘On A Search In America’ have been left behind and don’t appear to be anywhere in the future. Harder rock songs like “Controversy” or “Revolution” seem to be forgotten and a new comer, listening strictly to the new self titled album would never have guessed that screaming had been a part of this band.
The opening track, “Yours” is an example of both the evolving style change and the low barrier to entry the band has tried to take on. While good, the new song lands on the bland side of the fence in that it’s unfortunately forgettable and not the band’s best work. The other new song on the other hand, “Save The Day” has a bit more spunk and feels more like a dizmas song. “Worth Fighting For” comes in a the end of the record and is up there among the best stuff on the album.
There are a lot of songs from the band’s last record, but “Redemption, Passion, Glory” which comes from their first album is an obvious hit song meant to be showcased to a new audience. The song, “Jealousy Hurts” is another ear catching tune with the chorus “We tried to take love honey, and make love pretty”.
The repetitive nature that is part of the band can sometimes wear a bit specifically in the choruses. “Shake It Off” is among the worst offenders with the line, “Shake, shake it…” being the lone part that will most likely be stuck in your head without your permission.
Overall this is a pretty good album for a first time listener of the band.If you own other Dizmas albums you may want to think twice about buying this one though.
Track Listing
1. “Yours”
2. “Play It Safe”
3. “Save the Day”
4. “Redemption, Passion, Glory”
5. “Different”
6. “Shake It Off”
7. “Jealousy Hurts”
8. “This Is A Warning”
9. “Worth Fighting For”
10. “Dance”
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Buy ‘Dizmas’ for $7.98 from Amazon.com
[This review was updated 4/14/08]
3 Comments
Char on April 26th, 2008
Although this album does have songs previously recorded I think it is a great CD. I personally have all of the Cds.. and even some from before.. and I love all of them. The new sound shows how the band has evolved and grown in maturity, realizing it is ok to sing and not having to scream the songs. I think the change allows for their music to reach all people and not just the “hardcore” crowd.
Like the previous post.. the songs “Different” and “Worth Fighting For” are hits in my mind.
Regardless of if you are new to Dizmas or have been fans of theirs for a long time. This album is worth the buy.
Larry on May 4th, 2008
Even though “Revolution” is my favorite song by Dizmas, I still see the all new songs on the cd becoming hits. The genre change doesn’t mean anything with Dizmas. They can write any style song and still make it amazing. For those long time listeners of this band I would say that you MUST buy this album! I agree with Shay though, someone needs to do their homework. I did and great music arose from it!
Shay on April 14th, 2008
Wow, you didn’t do your homework.
Maybe you missed the songs “Different” and “Worth Fighting For” which haven’t appeared on either of the previous Dizmas albums. Maybe you haven’t actually heard those songs and that’s why you haven’t even mentioned them here, but both songs are hits in my mind. Especially the song “Worth Fighting For.” It has a very Jimmy Eat World vibe to it–it’s enjoyable. Furthermore, you haven’t even touched on the lyrics here. For a guy who reviews a lot of “Christian” music, I think you missed it there as well. I appreciate your honestly, but please make sure to offer accurate information.
I might agree with you that Dizmas has evolved their sound to be more appealing to a larger demographic, but the crux sound of the band hasn’t been missed at all. Like many bands before them, they have moved their own sound to align more with their own musical interests and personalities.
Word.