It'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 proverbial finger to the band's critics:
We knew you'd hate this before we wrote it
So listen up. We're telling you before you tell us
We're not misinformed or misdirected
Functioning on your subjective
Your hatred only fuels us on
Now how about a word or two on you?
You're an alias, an email address
We lay a lot more out than you do
We won't be part of your revolution
So listen up. We're telling you this is a business...
You're a paper fist, a faceless attack
We're not about to break like you do
(From "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children")
Ouch. The band couldn't get away with a declaration like that unless they had the musical goods to back up their statement, and they do. Emotion is Dead is at least twice as good as Understand This is a Dream (which was very good to begin with!). Album openers "Into the Dark" and "Don't Push Love Away" are two of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and "We're At the Top of the World" and "Something Isn't Right Here" mine new depths into emo-pop (read: the scenesters are going to hate them). Lead singer Brett Detar has a splendid voice, even though he does that whole emo scream thing a few times. It's okay -- I forgive him, because Emotion is Dead may just be my soundtrack for autumn.
4.5 tocks
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 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…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Earl CampbellNow 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…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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