LIVE: Theory of a Deadman @ Rock City [26/2/2012]

Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman clearly know their stuff.

Formed in 2001 the band has gone from strength to strength, releasing four albums, reaching platinum in the US and Canada, and this month finally graced the stage at Nottingham’s Rock City.

Looking at the band you could be fooled into thinking your about to watch a Johnny Cash tribute with lead singer Tyler Connelly’s iconic black quiff glistening, so that he seems more rockabilly than rock. But don’t be misled…

Opening to a very impatient audience, Theory of a Deadman (TOAD) shook the very walls with a classic performance of their crowd pleaser ‘loser like me’ leaving audience geared up, index and pinkies ready and wanting more.

Despite having a whole catalogue of tracks to choose TOAD rocked out new and old favourites such as their first ever single ‘make up your mind.’

The band banged out a great selection of audience participation pieces from their newest album ‘The truth lies… with ‘the bitch came back’ and my personal favourite ‘lowlife.’

Best known for the song ‘Bad Girlfriend’ which shot them into the rock spotlight as a single from their third album ‘Scars and Souvenirs’, the band raised the roof of the main hall with a fast and powerful performance.

Despite being confused after the band confessed they thought they were in Birmingham and attempting a poor brummy accent, the audience couldn’t get enough, roaring  ‘we want more’ as the band left the stage pre-encore.

It seems almost cheesy when bands leave the stage and the audience know full well that an encore is looming in the dark and misty haze of the concert hall. TOAD didn’t fail to disappoint, stepping up to the mark delivering a well-received cover of Eric Clapton’s ‘Cocaine’ and TOAD pessimistic monster of a song ‘Hate my life’.

It’s clear to see why TOAD are so successful. Rock music with meaningful lyrics you can actually sing to with amazing guitar solos and an aggressive drum beat, what’s there to hate!

A definite band to watch out for…

Platform Rating

8/10

Laura Bennett – Platform

Tags: 2012, february, nottingham, review, rock city, theory of a deadman