Okay fellow musical fans, it has been a while. The world has done without a new act reminiscent of Creed for at least a few months now. What has happened? Where have things gone wrong… or right? Well, whether you love it or hate it, Big Dismal is here to help, or possibly add salt to your wounded radio. The group began with Eric Durrance, a singer/ songwriter from Tallahassee, FL, who spent his summers exploring a geological landmark called "Big Dismal". The site is a massive sinkhole where 100-foot walls plunge straight down to the water below, which led to the group's name, and I see why. After time, a group was assembled around Durrance that directed them to a recording deal with Wind-Up Records, which also oddly is home to Creed itself. Believe, their major label debut, was produced by Jack Joseph Puig, who has also worked with John Mayer and The Black Crowes.

At first listen, the first track, and first single "Remember (I.O.U.)," struck me as a great song. Was I becoming a fan of the progressive rock of today? No. Was I going through my musical ventures blind to what all the radio kids were listening to? No. "Remember (I.O.U.)" is just a catchy, solid alternative rock track, and that is that. It made me realize that my disdain for Creed byproduct groups was not some sort of foreknown-deliberated occurrence, but just contempt for lack of talent. Which leads to the rest of the album that lacks of talent. Scattered throughout, are poppy alterna-rock watered down versions of groups like 3 Doors Down, Default, Godsmack, Disturbed, Kutless, and insert whoever else sounds somewhat like Creed. One notable track, though, is "Missing You," adding slim backup vocals by Amy Lee of Evanescence. I see a single for radio, and a video with Lee given ample screen time, and maybe even a movie soundtrack lead off; a stunning marketing ploy indeed. Has this been done before? I don't know. Does Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life" ring a bell? To keep from beating a dead horse to death, if you are indeed a fan of Creed and every group that continues to destroy radio, then pick this up; if not, then you already know, Believe is a drink coaster.

- Review date: 5/19/03, written by Blake Garris