Theory of a Deadman has been one of my favorite bands for twenty years. Their first record has always been my favorite record. I have found it hard to top their song, “Say I’m Sorry,” from their debut self titled album, Theory of a Deadman. I’ve enjoyed watching the evolution of Theory of a Deadman over the years, as they keep trying to push themselves musically. Alas, Theory of a Deadman is releasing their eighth studio album, Dinosaur, on March 17th.
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In their past couple of records, the band, led by lead singer Tyler Connolly has tested and expanded their sound from their known hard rock and heavy rift arrangement. I’ve always enjoyed how Connolly and his co-writers, that write songs for their records. I think Connolly can write some of the best breakups and screw you tunes. The band collectively is so talented and puts on an outstanding live performance. At the same time, the past couple of albums have been less rock/grunge/alternative. This new record shows that they have returned to their original sound.
The first song and title track “Dinosaur,” also happens to be the first single they released on the new album. Immediately it starts off heavy with the guitar and drums.
Next, “Medusa (Stone)” combines Connolly’s powerful voice with descriptive lyrics that come to the forefront while describing a female who ultimately takes over his life and is not for the great. Another lovely rock song that could be a promising upcoming single for the band.
The third song on the record, “Sick,” incorporates a ukulele with Connolly’s voice, making it sound like a sweet song until you listen to the lyrics. Definitely one of those “I hate my partner” songs that he can write so well.
Up next, you guessed it, another breakup song! The band took Grover Washington Jr’s “Just the Two of Us” chorus and turned it into a pessimistic version, “Two of Us (Stuck).” Just the two of us, we couldn’t make it if we tried. Just the two of us, our love, died. I like this song and the arrangement. Leave it to Connolly to turn a happy tune into a breakup song. This is their current single off their new album.
Halfway through the album, song number 5 is called “Ambulance,” their second single. This song starts with a little country rift and then immediately turns heavy with loud guitars and percussion. Connolly vocals take a different spin and are more spoken/rapped. This song is excellent for the gym. This is a good hype song as well. Whenever you need a pick me up, I’m a badass tune. Play this song. From start to finish, this song punches you in the face in a good way.
Song number six, “Sideways,” starts with a piano and back to Connolly’s sultry voice. I love this song, and this song lyrically is beautiful. While it has dark undertones about being sideways and not living the best life lyrically, this is my favorite song on the album. Again, I enjoy the mixture of piano, guitar, and percussion.
Lucky number 7, “Get In Line,” is a fast-paced rock song. This song is another potential single that would do well on the charts. You can have it on in the background and quickly memorize the whole song.
Next up, “Head In The Clouds” is track number 8. This song has a pop vibe, almost a fast-paced ballad. Surprisingly, it isn’t a breakup song, or I don’t think so. Instead, lyrically it is uplifting and one of my favorite songs on the record.
Number 9, the song before the last song, “Hearts Too Wild,” starts as a stripped-down, almost acoustic intro. The song also has a pop sound. This song displays more of Connolly’s vocal ability. You get to hear the power he has in his voice. Set me free, free baby, because my heart is too wild to keep a hold on. Lyrically and meaning-wise, I love this song. It is great.
The final song, “Summer Song,” is a quirky song about a girl named Summer, but it also could be a summer anthem, which I thought it would be when I read the title. This song is very punk rock, almost something Avril Lavigne would write and sing. It’s catchy and has a good beat to it. It is an excellent way to end the record.
Overall, Theory of a Deadman’s Loyal fans can embrace their return of heavy rock as this record combines what the band has been known for over the past 20+ years. The new direction they have been exploring with their music is thumbs up and with a new album they are launching a new tour in 2023. I hope nothing but good things for Theory of a Deadman as they are one of my favorite bands.
Final Score: 8/10
Album Tracks
1. Dinosaur
2.Medusa(Stone)
3.Sick
4.Two of Us (Stuck)
5.Ambulance
6.Sideways
7.Get In Line
8. Head In The Clouds
9.Hearts Too Wild
10.Summer Song
Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine
Members:
Tyler Connolly – vocals, guitar, piano
Dave Brenner – guitar
Dean Back – bass
Joey Dandeneau – drums
Remaining Rock Resurrection Tour Dates with Skillet and Saint Asonia
March 3 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
March 4 – Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino – Theatre
March 5 – Cincinnati, OH @ AJB Music Center
March 7 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl **
March 8 –Pikeville, KY @ Appalachian Wireless Arena
March 10 – St Louis, MO @ The Factory
March 11 – Springfield, MO @ Shrine Mosque
March 12 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater
March 14 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
March 15 – Dallas, TX @ The Factory
March 17 – Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
March 18 – Omaha, NE @ Baxter Arena
March 19 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
March 21 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl **
March 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ First Arizona Federal Theater
March 24 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort – Grand Theatre
March 25 – Wheatland, CA @ Hard Rock Live
March 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
** no Skillet
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I’m Jalys. Music and concert photographer located in Austin, TX. I graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Photocommunications. Pretty cool, right? An Instagram degree before Instagram was cool!
I enjoy traveling around Texas, and taking photos of bands and musicians. Texas has so many awesome venues, and I want to photograph any that I can. Music has always been a major part of my life, and while a student at Texas Tech, I knew that I wanted to specialize in music photography. I have lived in the Austin area for over twelve years and have been able to photograph so many cool bands. Let’s add yours to the list!
When I’m not photographing, I’m probably working at my day job as a University Recruiter for a manufacturing facility. I travel quite often for work and love visiting college campuses! I enjoy hanging out with my husband, our 3 dogs (Ryder, Carter, and Tucker), our adopted cat, Allie, and our families. Follow me on Instagram! You will get to see all the pet photos you can stomach. My handle is @j.bcaro.
