Theory of a Deadman
The Truth Is..

The Theory Of A Deadman return with their fourth album, the album of "maturity" or at least it should be in theory. "Musically we haven't strayed far from the past," comments frontman Tyler Connolly.
"We've been a band for over a decade and have finally realized the significance of everything accomplished to reach this point. Today we are more confident, with ourselves and with our music."

The Theory began their journey back in 2001 when at a party, the frontman of the group Tyler Connolly left a demo with the much more famous Chad Kroeger frontman of the Nickelback, who was so impressed by it that he asked Tyler to sign with his record label 604 Records.
The Theory obviously accepted and the following year (2002) their first album was released, titled after the name of the group; immediately described as articulate and emotional rock, it highlights the group's abilities with tracks like "Nothing Could Come between Us" and "Make Up Your Mind" but also shows some similarities with Nickelback, evidently influenced by Chad.

In 2005, "Gasoline" is released, proving to be a good album though decidedly commercial with tracks programmed by many radios and successful (especially in Canada) like "Santa Monica" and "No Surprise".

Then we come to the third album "Scars & Souvenirs" dated 2008 with Theory of A Deadman having moved to the much more powerful and famous record label "Roadrunner Records", an album that perhaps due to the powerful label, but also a good number of quality tracks, manages to bring the Theory to success in America and Canada and they reach Europe with a mini tour in England (London, Lanchester), Scotland (Glasgow) etc.

With a string of successful singles like "Bad Girlfriend", undoubtedly the most successful song of the album, "Hate My Life", "By The Way", "So Happy", "All Or Nothing", "Not Meant To Be", "Little Smirk"...
they take the band to a new level of fans and maturity with a great work, also decidedly commercial and perhaps still not fully convincing for the capabilities of these Vancouver guys who can do even better, (great album but to become an important band you have to fully exploit your capabilities).

After this long (and necessary) introduction of the group with the story of previous works, let's get to the main topic of the review, the fourth album "The Truth Is..." released on July 12th represents a turning point perhaps for the career of Theory Of A Deadman who convince and show a full maturity achieved. But let's get into the details.

Marketed in 2 versions, the "standard" version consisting of 12 very balanced tracks among themselves and well arranged in order, and the "special edition" which includes 6 bonus tracks.

The first song and first single presented for this album "Low Life" shows a somewhat country sound with however successful lyrics and a simple and original sound part which make it suitable for a very wide audience.
Perhaps the real strength of this album is precisely the sensation it conveys, that no piece was inserted in the tracklist by chance or for "filling", when there's scraping the Theory are there with rock'n'roll songs like "Drag Me To Hell" (splendid intro) or "Bitch Came Back" which reminds a bit of the famous "Cat Came Back" but which nonetheless proves original and enriched by orchestral instruments like trumpets etc. and turns out to be rock and impactful... definitely a nice piece.

"Hurricane" confirms the new level reached by the Theory with a very solid instrumental part, also thanks to the inclusion of violins and various stuff which make everything very "orchestral" but not for this reason banal or repetitive, thanks to the warm and enveloping voice of Tyler Connolly and the great work of drummer Joey Dandenou.

"Head Above Water" a great ballad and a song that will definitely gain a lot of success also due to its catchy sound, but really very beautiful with great vocal performances, the same can be said for "Easy To Love you" and "We Were Man".

Is it over here? That's what I asked myself too but then I was impressed by the title track "The Truth is..." which with a ukulele intro, cheerful and successful country sound and a great Connolly make a further leap in quality to the album. Great piece.

Not content the guys from Vancouver give us more beautiful pieces with the nostalgic and successful "Love Is Hell" and the exquisite "Gentleman" that complete this great album by the Theory Of A Deadman, certainly the best of their decade-long career, commercial in the right measure but convincing for rock lovers with undoubtedly great work by the group in this sense.
 

Theory therefore passed with flying colors and with all the credentials to take a place among the most important and famous rock groups with a maturity exam PASSED.
And as if that were not enough on the Special Edition there are 6 very valid bonus tracks like "Careless" and "Villain".
Album recommended for all rock lovers, to be bought on the FLY.

Tracklist Standard Edition:

Members:

Tyler Connolly - Vocals and Lead guitar

Dave Brenner -  Rhythm Guitar

Dean Back - Bass

 Joey Dandenoau - Drums and  backing vocals