Dizzy Newton

Raw rhythms combine with complex melodies in Dizzy Newton’s self-titled debut. Comprised of Tray Tomlinson on vocals, guitarists Dave Miller and Jim Verutis, Greg Ceci on bass and drummer Dave O’Neill, the band’s honed their chops on the circuit, and prove their contenders on the national scene with the CD. They deliver a tight set of 13 rockers that will make you take notice.

The precision from this Ontario group is prevalent, firing on all cylinders in this package. The tracks are honed and crafted, nurtured and polished. The lead-off track, “Frightful Places” starts off with primitive drumbeats, but make no mistake, these guys are well-crafted. With careful arrangements and blistering guitar solo, the song shifts gears more than once, and will make you listen even more.

Good funk-laden rhythms make up “Messiah,” “Big Man,” and “Open” all have solid, steady rhythms and highlight Dizzy’s overall musical prowess. Thought provoking lyrics are written from the soul with intent, and charged with emotion in “Freeze”. “Can We Decide” is just one of a number of songs that show the band has a social conscience, and isn’t afraid to let it flow in the songs.

First impression with tracks like “Whispers,” the soothing and easy “Seasons,” or “Wind & Words” might be ‘kinda catchy – but doesn’t really belong.’ But by second go ’round you realize they’re doing things their way. They’re not restricting their own sound and they rely on the content to carry the overall value of the disc, and succeed. In the end, that’s all you can ask of a band. Be different, and be good at it. Dizzy Newton’s got it down-pat.

The progressive “Drive By,” “Tell Me Girl,” “Better Time,” and “More of The Same” all combine to make an overall good package, but are anything but ‘filler’. Progressive production can be attributed to the band taking matters into their own hands, letting their creativity shine. With a solid base of good songs to work with, overall it’s a great debut. Only bigger and better things lie ahead for the band.