CD Review: The Juliana Theory – Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat

You could make a case for The Juliana Theory being the forerunner for today’s alternative sound. Formed in 1997, the Brett Detar led band has always tweaked its sound to stay contemporary, but always has maintained its core music. The album’s opening track “This Is A Lovesong… For The Loveless” is what TJT makes – fast alternative rock. Guitars are dominant throughout the album, but not as much as in “Shotgun Serenade” with a mid-song guitar solo that isn’t so common in today’s world.

The Juliana Theory differentiates itself from its contemporaries with its genre brushing in pop (“My Heart Is A Soldier”), emo (“Final Song”) and progressive (“We Make The Road By Walking”). Through the sister songs of “Leave Like A Ghost (Drive Away)” and “I Love You To Death (Drive Safe)” TJT teeters on serenity, but instead settles for melancholy – the latter being the result of soothing vocals and a calming atmosphere. The potential of “Drive Safe” isn’t discovered until the hidden track of “French Kiss Off” is revealed. Another experiment for TJT, the band’s soft side is explored – a huge departure from the contrasting harsher rhythms of the beginning tracks. One wonders if this experiment will foreshadow further attempts at ballads or ballad-type songs. With only ten tracks, Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat is too short, but still sweet.

Video Streams for “This Is A Lovesong… For The Loveless”

QuickTime – High

QuickTime – Low

Windows Media Player – High

Windows Media Player – Low

Audio Streams for “This Is A Lovesong… For The Loveless”

QuickTime – High

QuickTime – Low

Windows Media Player – High

Windows Media Player Low – Low

Ecard: here

Official website: www.thejulianatheory.com