Theory Of A Deadman / Toseland - Koko, London (UK) - 24 April 2018
Recently signed to Frontiers, Toseland continue their ascent with commercial Rock anthems. Front-man James Toseland knows how to keep things interesting while also managing vocals and keyboard duties. Guitarist Z has all the guitar hero stances and injects just the right amount of Metal to give the material an edge as he showcases in his solo during the final song. Rocking out hard they get a resounding yes from an audience when they ask if they want more.
Theory of a Deadman also get a warm reception, and whilst specialising mostly in Pop Rock anthems, they vary the set which includes a cover of 'Don't Want To Fall In Love' for a lighter touch before following this with a heavier section.
Short covers of 'Paradise City' by Guns N' Roses get the whole crowd singing, but they don't strain too far from their infectious Pop Rock upon which they have made a name. With shouts of "we love you" coming from the audience and passionate singing from the crowd during the encore, there's no doubt the band have a cult following.
Singer Tyler Connolly even attempts to talk about the weather and football, showing a degree of acclimatisation despite confessions that Canadians hockey is their soccer. Sticking with such topics might be considered safe practice after reports of criticisms of off colour chat from him at a previous performance at Koko in 2012. However, with 'Lowlife' early in the set and closing out with 'Rx (Medicate)' and 'Bad Girlfriend', they don't stray too far from giving the eager crowd what they want this evening. They certainly didn't have to try too hard to win over a crowd wanting to dance and participate to the full. Whilst not as big here as overseas, they have built up a solid and loyal following which is not to be sniffed at.
Review and photos by Dawn Osborne
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