Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

As recounted in Cross Rhythms 50, Charizma are a Swedish rock band that refused to become irrelevant. Starting out as a punk trio, they evolved into glum rockers, then stadium rockers; they then added two extra members, rethought their strategy, and reinvented themselves as Euro-pop/rockers. It's fascinating to compare these offerings with their late '80s recordings; in those days they were all glitter and big hair; these days they could be Aussie surfers on vacation from Bondi Beach. Then it was everything at several zillion decibels with a pounding beat; now there's much more variety; they still sound occasionally like the old days* but there's more Jars Of Clay/All Star United and even Delirious? type grooves. Both these songs are from their excellent 'The Basics Of Life' album and if you want hooky, radio-friendly pop rock these guys deliver.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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