Brad Arnold belts out the rock n' roll.
Theory of a DeadmanReview by Jenny Bonyata
The Mississippi rock band, 3 Doors Down, has come a long way from playing its first gig at a friends backyard party to touring with bands such as Creed and Sevendust. They sellout most venues and are now headlining their own tour for the second time. After an intense and never-ending tour promoting their first CD, The Better Life, they hit the stage once again with a new edge and sound that can be found on their latest release Away from the Sun which incidentally is a new direction from their rookie effort.
Photos by Phil Bonyata3 Doors Down entered the stage with a confidence that would surely guarantee the audience an unforgettable night. The crowd collectively extended their waving arms as the band broke into their first of many hits, "Duck and Run." Devoted fans and even workers started to recite the words as they tapped their feet to the upbeat rhythm cemented by the heavy bass howls of Todd Harrell and the reckless skin beatings of new drummer Daniel Adair.
Their laid back style and Mississippi charm is what the audience has come to see, even the few people that primarily came for the opening act, Theory of a Deadman, seemed to open up. Brad Arnold, wearing a grungy orange t-shirt and loose-fitting jeans, has perfected his stage presence. Earlier in his career he was searching for a stage style that sometimes felt forced. Now he makes the stage his own playground with his passionate high-note preenings and angular stop action body movements. His fellow bandmates laid the foundation with a fierce drive and determination.Throughout the show the mic was securely rested in Brad's hand like a winning lottery ticket on it's way to the bank. A deafening scream erupted when the band broke into their once-in-a-lifetime smash hit "Kryptonite." The song's infectious chorus still hasn't lost it's appeal as the bands up tempo pacing gave the song a needed shot in the arm. Arnold teasingly dangled the mic into the audience as the crowd obliged by reciting the famous verse "If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?" Guitarist Chris Henderson led the charge with an array of spirited chord changes. Their music can pretty much be summed up as straight forward rock 'n roll that begs for no apologies. The power-driven band brought the evening to a close with their hit "Loser." Fans and onlookers sang the dark, but magnetically charged lyrics and bobbed their heads again to Adair's furious beats. The song ended in magnificent fashion with a swirling storm of honest fury. Their fans satisfied in knowing that still better things are yet to come.
Openers Theory of a Deadman have a future. Frontman Tyler Connelly blew the doors off and took the crowd into a room filled with every rockers lost rage. On "Make Up Your Mind" and "Point to Prove" the proof was in the fresh energy the band lent to Connelly's intense vocal talents. The band all dressed in t-shirts and jeans swung inline with it's bare bones rock stylings. "Nothing Could Come Between Us" proved that many in the audience knew this band well by it's genuine and enthusiastic embrace. The band has risen from the artistic ashes of Creed and Nickelback and is ready to lay claim to a bright tomorrow.
3 Doors Down
Theory of a Deadman
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