Theory of a Deadman

by Todd Kristel

Chad Kroeger, signed Theory of a Deadman to his label, co-produced this album and co-wrote six of the ten songs. So it's not a huge surprise that Theory of a Deadman sounds a lot like Kroeger's band Nickelback. This album does have its strengths -- for example, the songs tend to be concise (although "The Last Song" could be a minute shorter) with relatively strong hooks -- but anyone who dislikes Nickelback, or wants a band with a distinctly original sound, is advised to look elsewhere. In fairness, Theory of a Deadman probably has other influences; lead vocalist Tyler Connelly sounds like he's listened to a lot of Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, and the band's guitar-driven post-grunge sound seems to have been influenced by groups such as Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. In any case, this is a solidly crafted but fairly conventional album; it lacks that extra spark of creativity, spontaneity, or passion that might compensate for the band's safe, conservative approach to music.