Theory of a Deadman

Theory of a Deadman revels in the powder-keg dynamics of grunge, continuing the string of admirers that followed Soundgarden and Alice in Chains to the FM dial -- put Days of the New, Nickelback and this band in a pickle barrel and dare to tell the difference. That's likely no coincidence -- the Vancouver band is signed to Nickelback front man and fellow Canadian Chad Kroeger's 604 Records. Despite their connections game, and fortunately for these rockers, "Nothing Can Come Between Us," from their self-titled debut, rocks colossally hard, with requisite but powerful shifts from quiet to crashing, pained lyrics ("You say I'm right when you know I'm wrong") and a spooky treatment of bandleader Tyler Connolly's vocals. Credit Theory of a Deadman for at least knowing what brand of unoriginality works.