Rough Edge: Theory of a Deadman CD Reviews

THEORY OF A DEADMAN

"Gasoline" (Roadrunner; 2005)

In my review of TOAD's debut disc (see below), I didn't give them any props. I felt like they were the kid who wanted to see what was going on during the parade but I wouldn't put them on my shoulders. Well, this disc is much better because it's got more originality and it's got some serious rockers to boot.

Since their 2002 release, Theory has been in the spotlight. Lead singer Tyler Connolly played the guitar solo on the single "Hero" for the Spider-Man movie soundtrack the same year. That exposure helped them and I think a lot of people started paying more attention to their music.

This disc has some solid songs and plenty of gritty guitar. There are some acoustic bits but they sound good enough so I'll give mention to that part. There were six singles released from this album and they were all good; most of them were often heard on the radio.

One thing to note: the U.S. version of this disc is edited and no uncut version is available. If you buy one in Canada or some other places, then you can have it full of cuss words. I really couldn't hear where they edited anything except maybe on one song so I'm not sure what caused that decision.

Theory Of A Deadman: Tyler Connolly – lead vocals, lead guitar; Dean Back – bass; Dave Brenner – rhythm guitar; Brent Fitz – drums.

For more information, check out http://www.theoryofadeadman.com.

"Theory of a Deadman" (Roadrunner; 2002)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

It seems when you hand Chad Kroeger a demo he gets things done with it. Theory of a Deadman, or TOAD for short, have Chad to thank and, well, to blame for their sound. Blame? Yes, although this CD rocks, Chad co-wrote six of the ten songs, and he produced it. It's almost a Nickleback side project. But it still cooks. Vancouver is becoming the new Nashville.

The first single, "Invisible Man," has all the trappings of a great song, each one that follows is just as tough. I can't help but wonder what TOAD would have sounded like without Chad's help.

The guitar is bursting on these tracks and sometimes the riffs leave meat hanging off the bone but there are no slouches here. Tyler Connolly's voice is gruff and strong, he sounds like Chad but hopefully he will adopt his own style and have people handing him demos one day.

The best songs on the album are "Invisible Man," "Leg To Stand On," and "Any Other Way."

Theory of a Deadman: Tyler Connolly - lead vocals, guitar; Tim Hart - drums, background vocals; Dean Back - bass; David Brenner - guitar.

For more information, check out http://www.theoryofadeadman.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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