The Juliana Theory take melodic emocore to dizzying new heights with driving, sleekly crafted rhythms and a fragile overcoat of vulnerability. Slightly aggressive, and yet overtly playful, the group don't stick to focusing solely on love as a topic like most bands in the emo genre and instead manage to concoct some intelligent and undeniably catchy anthems for the people. Shades of Sunny Day Real Estate and perhaps groups like Far show up here and there, but the bands extremely enjoyable music owes more to itself rather than stand on the shoulders of its influences.

Vocally, the album is touching, with heartfelt lyrics being strung out with a syrupy pop sensibility and a vibrant high end range that hits and holds notes effortlessly to suck the listener in close. Tangible and yet slightly surreal, they float freely like a warm breeze through the speakers although they do occasionally break character to deliver an aggressive yell. Guitars are warmly tuned and make the most of a distortion that possesses edge while still feeling humble and comfortable of the general emo/alt rock stylings. Clever riffs and delicate chord patterns bring out vivid color as the songs progress, and the notes are struck with a tender intensity that enhances the whole experience. Basslines are challenging and restrained, sticking closely to the drums and rolling out in front of the listener like a thick plush carpet for them to walk on. Winding and yet simple, their less is more approach really manages to bring out the low end of the songs while establishing a graceful flair. Drums can take on many roles throughout the tracks, with styles ranging all the way from stomping throbs to placid airy snare driven beats. Calm and powerful their contained and compact nature hooks in deeply to the bass and crafts a rock solid foundation. Various other instruments are also blended into the bands atmospheric sound including programming, pianos, various percussion and a lot of stringed and cymbal styled instruments among others, making the voyage intoxicating and crisp with a practical garden of beautiful sounds.

The bands strength lies directly in their ability to mix things up and write amazingly catchy songs that hit home without having to beat the listener into submission. Delicate and ambient, their incorporation of various non traditional elements really bring out the aural hues and creates an exquisite feast for the ears to take in. Although the album is great and nearly flawless, unfortunately it does seem as though they tend to stick the same formula a few times too many, as some of the tracks included can be hard to differentiate from the others. But even though this may be the case, with the high number of standout tracks in place the album manages to pull through and proudly take the emo genre to new areas of experimentation. Much like Sunny Day Real Estate's latest, this album defies the self imposed confines of emotional music and spreads out into uncharted waters with a serene almost ethereally feel. But rather than move into an area of music that feels classically oriented, the band still have ample bite and aren't afraid to write a few empowering numbers, not to mention incorporate modern technology into the mix. These qualities and many more in all likelihood could quite possibly make this band a gateway for heavier music fans to explore the benefits of softer, more passionate music. With the big steps taken here and the abundant showcase of talent, this disc is highly recommended. The Juliana Theory's album title may be deceiving to some, as the 13 some songs here practically drip and breathe with pure feeling and depth, but if emotion is dead, than this reincarnation is only all the more sweeter.
(4.5 / 5)