Dinosaur
By Mike O’Cull
Hard rock force of nature Theory Of A Deadman delivers a blazing return to form on the band’s new album Dinosaur.
The slamming new set comes out March 17th, 2024 on Roadrunner Records and is packed with big guitar riffs, strong beats, and a wry sense of humor. This makes for an intensely-listenable recording that’s going to hit modern rock fans right on target. The sessions were produced by Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, YUNGBLUD) and recorded in Sweden at Atlantis Studios, where ABBA made magic in their heyday. The 10-track song sequence is a fusillade of arena-worthy anthems poised to give rock and roll the furious kick in the backside it so frequently requires to stay relevant.
Theory Of A Deadman, which is Tyler Connolly (lead vocals, guitar), Dave Brenner (guitar, backing vocals), Dean Back (bass), and Joey Dandeneau (drums, backing vocals), have been throwing down sold-out shows and multi-platinum hit songs for the past two decades. They got together in high school, jamming in basements in the time-honored traditional way, and came blasting out of their hometown of North Delta, British Columbia with their self-titled Theory of a Deadman album in 2002. They’ve racked up two Top Ten debuts on the Billboard Top 200 since then and amassed more than a billion collective streams on Spotify, alone. Suffice to say that Theory Of A Deadman have more than proven their point and now enjoy a large, global fan base. Their heady mix of swagger and grace is compelling and addictive.
The album kicks off with its title track “Dinosaur,” which is also a single. It’s a beyond-protest song about watching humanity go the way of its namesake creature. It’s an end-of-the-world, apocalyptic blaster that describes our probable future in bold terms over a jaw-breaking guitar riff. “‘Dinosaur’ takes us back to our roots with this riff-driven rocker,” said Connolly. “To me, it feels like it could fit on any of our albums, but I will say if you like the old Theory Of A Deadman, you’ll love the new Theory Of A Deadman.” Indeed, this one is going to get anyone who lives to rock out all fired up. Even if you’ve never heard this bunch before, “Dinosaur” stands tall.
“Dinosaur”
Tense, heavy, and sinister, “Medusa (Stone)” is about the fallout from a relationship with someone so toxic she could be an actual Gorgon. Connolly’s anguished vocals tell a tale of someone who could turn a good man into a felon who’s taking him places he doesn’t belong. It’s a frightening scenario that’s all-too real for a lot of people. The popping guitar riff that anchors the tune has a little Brian May to it, which makes it especially tasty.
The band does a great job of twisting a classic into something entirely new on “Two Of Us.” The song boosts the chorus from the old-school Grover Washington/Bill Withers hit “Just The Two Of Us” and bends it into a crunching rock song with an attitude. It’s a superb piece of angst-fueled gallows humor that will probably catch you off-guard.
“Sick” is a brilliantly-sarcastic clapback rant aimed at a selfie-obsessed social media girl and her superficial life. For all the vitriol of the lyrics, the song veers away from the band’s heavy side and takes a more straight-ahead, melodic rock approach. The payoff line of “I’m so sick of you, you must be sick of you, too” is sheer genius and the whole song hits like a breakup and a bucket of ice water. Theory is one band that speaks their mind with bold authority, a trait that’s welcome and refreshing.
The mid-tempo “Hearts Too Wild” is righteous and emotional, telling the story of a lonely man with a restless spirit. The lyrics are an interior monologue from someone sitting in an airport bar alone late at night after running into an old flame. The yearning here is so real but so is the self-knowledge that he’s not meant for a normal, settled life. The hard, button ending technique employed on this one mirrors the sharpness of a separation and echoes the finality of its words.
Every song on Dinosaur is charming in its own way. The writing is tight, smart, and full of truths that are sometimes hard to hear but are absolutely genuine and need to be said. Don’t miss other standouts like “Ambulance,” “Head In The Clouds,” and “Summer Song.” Theory Of A Deadman has crafted a punchy, articulate record that uses the expressive power of rock music to its full potential. Consider it a must-have experience.
Stream/Download Dinosaur Here
Superb band. witty, intelligent lyrics in a varied list of styles. I’ve seen them live in the UK about 8 times. In Bristol, they delivered an absolutely storming jam on Drown which blew me away.