Canada rockers Theory Of A Deadman are known for a variety of rock sounds, from heavier tracks like ‘Bad Girlfriend’ to the softer tones of ‘Easy To Love You’. The band have given themselves a relatively easy job with this EP, in picking the already lighter tracks to convert into acoustics. It does make sense though. The subject matter of the chosen songs do make for much better stripped back tunes, though, than the likes of ‘Bad Girlfriend’ or ‘Lowlife’.
Things kick off with the title track ‘Angel (Acoustic)’. The original track can be found on the bands latest full-length release, and really isn’t too different from the new version. The same emotional and passionate effect is achieved with both, although the acoustic feels more personal. You can hear fingers moving along fret boards, and the backing vocals are more obvious. The inclusion of bass and a cajon drum, means the songs keep the same depth you get from the album versions.
The second track is ‘Santa Monica (Acoustic)’, an older, but well loved track from their second album. With this song, they introduce a new element to the EP: strings. It’s not over done, though, simply adding a little something. Initially, after the first chorus and then only occasionally appearing again, most notably, under the penultimate chorus, creating the songs climax.
The next track is an unexpected one, a cover of Tove Lo’s ‘Habits (Stay High)’. The original is far from Theory’s usual sound, but on this EP it really works. They’ve done the original justice, while making it fit in with their own vibe.
‘Not Meant To Be’ is the track we most expected to see on a Theory Of A Deadman acoustic collection, and they haven’t disappointed. The single, which featured on a Transformers soundtrack as well as the Scars & Souvenirs album, was already an emotional track. In the world of break up songs, this is a top one for rock fans, and the acoustic twist just makes it that much easier to listen to while crying into a tub of ice cream.
The EP closes out with another track from the latest album, and another great break up song, ‘The One (Acoustic)‘. Who hasn’t has a break up and thought “I still wonder if you could have been the one”? This time though, we suggest crying to the original. Taking away the dramatic piano to replace it with an acoustic guitar doesn’t quite have the same effect. The second chorus does start to build up with some percussion, but it never reaches the powerful emotion of the original.
The whole EP feels a bit safe, what with the band choosing already mellow tracks. That being said, they pull off the acoustic versions brilliantly and with the appropriate amount of passion and emotion.
