Theory Of A Deadman — Scars & Souvenirs

Scars & Souvenirs

Universal

Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

04/01/2008 10:02pm

Scars & Souvenirs may be Theory Of A Deadman's strongest release yet. While songs like "So Happy" still reveal the influence of grunge bands like Alice In Chains, the band take some risks and experiment a bit along the way. "All Or Nothing" has an interesting piano part, while the string arrangement in "Heaven (Little By Little)" is simple yet well-written. Two tracks are love songs, which is unexpected since frontman Tyler Connolly is not known for being lovey-dovey. That said, the lyrics still leave a bit to be desired. When Connolly croons "Since I said I loved you in Las Vegas/It's never been the same since then," on "All Or Nothing," it's a bit difficult to take him seriously. "Hate My Life," a paean to the working man, is a frustrating listen and the key change in the last third of "End Of The Summer" may throw you off. But overall, Scars & Souvenirs is an improvement and the band's willingness to do something different this time around may pay off in the future.

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