Wake Up Call

The Canadian rockers sixth studio long-player, the aptly named Wake Up Call finds Theory of a Deadman dialing back on the Nickelback-isms and delivering a streamlined (and nearly guitar-less) set of radio-friendly pop songs that favors genuine emotion over frat boy posturing. Frontman Tyler Connolly cites the procurement of a home piano and the revelation that "progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything" as mitigating factors in the group's newfound "wokeness," and the resulting 11-track set displays a level of lyrical maturity that has eluded the band since they first inked a deal with Chad Kroeger's 604 Records in 2001. In ditching the post-grunge/alt-rock attack of prior outings, TOADM has unearthed a flair for crafting big pop bangers that split the difference between the glowstick and energy drink allure of Imagine Dragons and the agreeable, arena-sized trad-pop of Coldplay. ~ James Christopher Monger