Artist: Dizmas
Album: On A Search In America
Label: Credidential Recordings
Tracks: 10
Length: 34:38
Review By: Jacob Gehman

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.