The Canadian quartet Theory of a Deadman has always marched to a different beat than most of their fellow countrymen. For starters, there’s that ominous-sounding band name: Whereas most north-of-the-border rockers choose upbeat monikers (think Rush, Triumph, Nickelback, Loverboy), the four British Columbia musicians who formed Theory of a Deadman in 2001 pulled their name straight out of the Black Sabbath handbook—even though their sound is more Killers than Sabbath.
Perhaps the best example of Theory’s outside-the-Maple-Leaf-box uniqueness can be found on the opening track of Wake Up Call, the band’s sixth studio album. In the song “Straight Jacket,” Theory drops the following lyric: “Like Lloyd Braun, I just wanted serenity”—a clever shout-out to a minor character from the iconic American sitcom Seinfeld. Here’s hoping they work “Soup Nazi” and “Close Talker” into their next batch of tunes …
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, starting at $25 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
