Now see what you little brats did. You went and hurt The Juliana Theory's feelings, with your "sellout" emails, mocking reviews, and scenester back-biting. And you emo-pop groupies aren't in the clear here, either. It would seem that your "adoration" has been a source of aggravation and annoyance, too.
You gotta give these boys props for brashness. "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children" is a grand rebuff of the bad reviews and web gossip they received during their first album Understand this is a Dream's tenure. And "We're Nothing Without You" certainly takes groupiedom to task, as does "If I Told You this was Killing Me, Would You Stop," even if more directed at fickle and catty scenesters in general. While these tracks come across as reactionary tantrums, they also stand as the most interesting songs on the album, sonically and lyrically. They actually give us a tangible, genuine catharsis to work with, something to rock to, something to ponder, and something to regret – versus of course the insipid, manufactured, pretentious "emotion" stapled to a lot of the other "emo-pop" fare on this disc.
"Into the Dark" does escape the processed cheese factory without resorting to inflammatory means, though. Carried by a soaring, dripping chorus, and boosted by down tempo verses that bring honest visions of dejection, "Into" seeks to reconcile a torn childhood. "You Always Say Goodnight," however, tries way too hard to exploit our heartstrings (although, the final two minutes redeem the song with a wonderful and unexpected rock climax), as do the rest of the 'post-rock-Chicago-Foreigner' ballads. And that's really the story of this album: It tries to escape the emo scene while clinging to its aesthetics, it tries to retain its underground-boy-band-loving fan-base while mocking them, and it tries to escape the Christian market but stands as barely par beyond it. It tries too hard to be too many things, and ends up being little more than attempts to dignify really, really, really magnificent tantrums.
Emotion is Dead is a huge step up from Understand this is a Dream on many sonic levels, with a new flare and creativity displayed in shining moments throughout the disc. And their pop can be smart and catchy. And their rock is abrasive, pissed, and spot on accurate. But overall their moments of brilliance are under-emphasized and left hanging amid a confused arrangement of yawning Jimmy Eat World and Get Up Kids derivative nonsense. There are five songs on this record worth buying it for, and eight that you might as well listen to – since you shelled out the bucks – and look for the bright spots.
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by AmberI have listened to the Juliana Theory's second full-length album so many times it would probably make most sick. But I probably wouldn't do that with most other CD's and there are multiple reasons why. The Juliana Theory debuted on Tooth & Nail Records with Understand This is a Dream. During the time in between both releases a lot of criticism was thrown at the band for their lifestyle and there…The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by David MartinEvery now and then, I get the pleasure of discovering a wonderfully talented new band. A band whose music transcends the genre with which their albums are often tagged. A band whose lyrics - and even song titles - are at once intriguingly oblique and remarkably easy to relate to. A band who doesn't quite seem to fit into a niche, and receives misguided criticism from several sides, but lasting…The Phantom Tollbooth September 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt's not cool to like The Juliana Theory. Despite the fact that their debut, Understand This Is a Dream, had some of the most beautiful melodies around and amassed great critical praise, kids all over the country attacked not only the band's music, but their personal lives as well. The band, of course, knows this, and that's why the third song on their new album, Emotion is Dead, gives the…The Phantom Tollbooth September 2000Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisThe Juliana Theory is sick of musicians going through the motions when it comes to making a record. In fact, they are bold enough to claim that Emotion is Dead in today's scene, a statement that also is the title of the brand new disc. This time out on Tooth and Nail, the band is full of power and passion, as well as some emo inspired emotion. The project is certainly a step up further from their…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianI wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this album. I knew the band took quite a good bit of time in the studio on this one and I had heard from people who had heard the album, that is was different. Well yes it is different from their first full length, "Understand This Is A Dream", but yet it's still the same band and I don't feel as though the differences are that overwhelming. If anything,…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Nate BaileyBeing a huge fan of the first full length from these guys, when I was told that their sound was different on the new album I was pretty much apathetic in picking it up. When I finally got around to listening to it, I was weary of what I was going to hear. The sound has changed, there's no getting around that, but while there are elements I don't like, there are some I do. Each song seemed a…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Luke HarlowThe Juliana Theory managed to play the right music at exactly the right time. The indie rock fad has caught on in a big way. Indie rock has never had more support in the underground than it does right now, and while they have not been around as long as bands like Jimmy Eat World or the Promise Ring, The Juliana Theory seems to have been able to carve out a name for themselves, as evidenced by…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Travis PersaudThis is Juliana's sophomore release, and quite the follow-up to their amazing, and critically acclaimed release, "Understand This Is A Dream." I've been looking forward to hearing this album with child-like anticipation ever since I heard "To The Tune of 5000 Screaming Children," a few months ago. That was one of the most energetic and emotionally charged songs I had heard from them since their…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestAs a deejay I've got some titles here to practice first before daring to utter them before the listening audience. What do you think of To The Tune Of 5,000 Screaming Children or If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop? And this way reviews can become quite lengthy too! On Emotion Is Dead The Juliana Theory took an even more poppy approach than on Understand This Is A Dream, their Tooth…Similar sounding releases
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