Theory of a Deadman Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Scars and Souvenirs, the third album from Theory of a Deadman, sounds like a rehash of the band's first two albums -- which is to say that it sounds like Nickelback. Chad Kroeger signed them to his 604 Records label in 2001, and throughout Scars and Souvenirs, Theory of a Deadman draw upon the melodies, vocals, choruses, and riffs of Kroeger and company. Many examples abound, but the best is "Not Meant to Be," a song whose melody and chorus bear more than a passing resemblance to All the Right Reasons' "Rockstar." Like their previous effort, Gasoline, Theory of a Deadman turned to producer Howard Benson on Scars and Souvenirs, which could explain why the album sticks to the same sounds and formulas instead of branching out in a new direction. It makes Scars and Souvenirs less then essential, given that nothing has changed. ~ Katherine Fulton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Chad Kroeger isn't as close to Gasoline as he was Theory of a Deadman's 2002 debut, which he co-produced and helped write. But his Nickelback-ian bellow is still a primary influence on Theory frontman and principal songwriter Tyler Connelly, and Gasoline's read of the grunge handbook is just as broad. The acoustic touches on "Hello Lonely" and "Santa Monica" are a respite from the record's processed distortion hammer, but Gasoline's main thrust is Connelly's brooding over a departed girlfriend, as his band methodically transforms 1990s grunge dynamics into 21st century hard rock. Opener "Hating Hollywood" roars on the siphoned power of a familiar riff, "No Way Out" features yowling wah-wah pedal, and "Better Off" is another three minutes of meaty guitar setting up a chorus of "I don't care about anyone/You know that I'm better off." "No Surprise" has a similarly swagger, but with a melody that carries it as a single. Gasoline's remainder drops in a power ballad ("Since You've Been Gone"), a bluesy track ("Hell Just Ain't the Same"), and songs like "Quiver" and "Save the Best for Last" that would slot into anything by Nickelback or Puddle of Mudd. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
'Theory of a Deadman'
Release Date 9/17/2002
Tracks 10
Label Roadrunner
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
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. ~ Todd Kristel, All Music Guide
