Theory of a Deadman

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