Review by Rachel Jablonski, photos by Justin Scott
In the nine months I have lived in Cedar Rapids, IA I have driven multiple times back to Omaha, NE and Davenport, IA, now to Milwaukee, WI, and soon to Chicago, IL to hit shows. None of these are relatively short distances and are oftentimes frustrating drives. Because supporting music is important to me, the tiresome miles and inflated gas fill-ups are worth it. But you can image my delight when finally a show arose in this town I’m residing in with little to do.
On tour in support of their latest album on Roadrunner Records called Gasoline, Theory of a Deadman was in town with supporting acts Submersed and Breaking Point. The approximately three and a half hour show in front of a sold out crowd seemed to fulfill the concert starved Iowa rock fans. Fists waving, hands clapping, music unswerving, and cheers resounding, the energy was rampant.
Theory of a Deadman stole the show with their pure rock driven set. The band played one song after another not allowing the energy flow to cease for long. At the end of each song one voice stood above the rest, “YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,” bellowed Brayden C. from Cedar Rapids, IA with an impressive long and drawn out sound from deep in his gut. Brayden must have been pretty worn out by the end of the night because the band played quite a long set.
"Hating Hollywood,” “Quiver,” “Say Goodbye,” “Hello Lonely (Walk Away from This),” and “Better Off” were featured tastes from the new disc. Older songs, “Invisible Man,” “Nothing Could Come Between Us,” “Last Song,” “Any Other Way,” “What You Deserve,” and “Make Up Your Mind,” from their self titled 2002 record were performed as well. But it was during the encore that the crowd was collectively most excited. The band returned to the stage and broke into “Santa Monica,” followed by the single from Gasoline, “No Surprise,” which caused a huge reaction. The song has such a great guitar riff and an audience can’t help but fall into it while enjoyably singing along. Finally, “Leg to Stand On” closed out the set.
The show at 3rd Street Live in Cedar Rapids, IA was a good time. Having met some cool people while watching a good showing from Theory of a Deadman, it was one of the better evenings I’ve had thus far in the Rapids. Have some fun, check out Theory of a Deadman on tour in support of Gasoline.