I love The Juliana Theory. Ever since their split with Dawson High, I've been swooned by Brett Detar's melodic pop vocals. What I liked about it was the punk energy a la Dogwood that carried the songs along at a quick pace. So, when I first heard Emotion Is Dead, I hated it!!!
This album is closer to pure pop than the slightly raw, fly by the seat of their pants delivery on the debut album. Subsequent listens, however, have reeled me in and hooked me. Even though it's slower and produced slicker, songs like "Into The Dark" and "If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?" are just so strong that you can't help but sing along. Okay, I still hate the low vocals in the verses of "Don't Push Love Away," but that's just the rocker in me protesting. At least the Elvis Costello-like vocals in the chorus give the song more pop character.
The irony of this review comes out in the critical look at rock critics of "To The Tune Of 5,000 Screaming Children." It's a fiery rocker that is reminiscent of Faith No More's "From Out Of Nowhere." But, unlike the lyrics' prediction of "We knew you'd hate this before we wrote it," I love it. I've got a word or two for you, Mr. Detar, your new band is electrifying and exciting. If this theory of yours involves popularity, it will undoubtedly prove to be true. Now, keep rocking my world!
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…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…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by thOrNI was warned not to give this a ten or D said he would review it too... but I HAVE to give credit where credit is due. Brett Deter ditched the ship of Zao to build his own monster the Juliana Theory and I love him. His sweet voice carries the melodies amazingly well. While the first disc had a few really good songs, this sophomore surpasses that and delivers again and again. If mainstream could…Similar sounding releases
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