"Best Intentions"
1999, no label
This review will probably be of interest only to those who follow the Gulf Coast music scene. A pleasant gathering of young dudes from the modern, literate pocket of Mississippi (which is slowly but surely expanding), Bad Chrism's scantly released debut is a laid-back, tepid offering that sports an embryonic sound (which means the band can and probably WILL improve with subsequent releases) of generic riffs and ten-times-ripped-off grunge singing (i.e. light growling which nearly all male vocal cords have the capacity to do). However, there's more variation in musical style than one might expect. The CD is almost equally divided between lumbering Silverchair demo-quality rockers and comatose ballads (although "Enlightenment" is quite enjoyable and reminds me of a sober Sublime [oxymoron]), with a throwaway funk song added for good measure. Good thing too, because the band's eclectism is really the only good thing going for them right now. Still, I believe this CD could draw the attention of a major indie label. Roll the dice and try your luck with a label, guys. Footnote: The band's name has been changed to BAD CHARISM, because they want to make it clear that they're not Satanic. Stryper would be proud...
RATING: 4