Emotion Is Dead

by

The Juliana Theory

Edit

It's been a year and a half since Juliana Theory's first full length came out, but the way they've matured you would think its been years. The sound of their new album, Emotion Is Dead, is much more diverse then Understand This is a Dream. The songs range from hard rock ( To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children)to soft ballads (You Always Say Goodnight, Goodnight) to pop (Top of the World). There is absolutely no way to get bored with this cd, there's so much heartfelt emotion mixed with guitar hooks and melodies you can't pass it up. Bret's voice is hypnotizing and fits perfectly with the rest of the band. This is one of those cd's where you put it in the cd player and before you know it the cd is over or near the end, every song flows so well into the next one. It's definately one of those sit-in-the-dark-and-think-about-life cd's, and a must have for anyone who is looking for simply good music.

I was introduced to the J-Theory by a friend that swears by emo and christian rock. And while I do enjoy this album as a whole, there are some songs on it that are outright awful, and as such keep this from going anywhere beyond an occasional listen. I've seen it done before, and it tends to work, so let me do a song by song breakdown:

"Into the Dark"- An interesting song, with a clever hook. This song is a strong opening but has some moments that sound like they stretched for a fit.

"Don't Push Love Away"- This isn't the type of song I normally like, but the J-Theory pulls it off in this track. Mostly the guitar carries it with the interesting way it follows the lyrics.

"To the Tune of 5000 Screaming Children"- The first really great song on the album. It has a strong pacing, good lyrics, and shows what this band is capable of.

"We're At the Top of the World (To the Simple Two)- This song is definitely not something I'd normally like, but the drumming is very cool, and the song has a light hearted feel anyone can dig. Despite the "sha la las".

"Is Patience Still Waiting"- Another powerful song, well composed, well played. Leaves me wanting more of these.

"Emotion is Dead Pt. 1"- I don't like techno, and when I buy an emo album I don't expect to be subjected to it, but this song isn't bad, and serves to make an interesting intermission.

"If I Told You This Was Killing Me Would You Stop"- This is probably my favorite song on the album, up-beat, powerful, an interesting chorus with overlapping vocals, THIS is what J-Theory should do more often.

"We're Nothing Without You"- This song follows "Killing Me" perfectly, it breaks up the pacing, but instead of being a predictable ballad, it throws in an interesting slide guitar effect. Very smoothe, very cool.

"Something Isn't Right Here"- I couldn't have said it better myself. Although catchy, you know something's wrong as soon as the "ooOOOooos" kick in. Then when they say "something isn't right here in this world call confusion"... I usually just change the song, it's awful.

"Understand the Dream Is Over"- Okay, this song starts to make up for "Something". It's cool.

"This is Your Life"- Then this...kicks in. By far the worst song on the album, and one of the worst songs I've ever had the misfortune of owning. This song ruins the whole experience of the album.

"You Always Say Goodnight, Goodnight"- I love this song.

"Emotion is Dead Pt. 2" See Pt. 1

Overall a strong effort, but marred by two incomprehensibly bad songs.