'The Juliana Theory'

Margot Gonzales, staff write

With three split CDs, one E.P., one live CD, and now four full lengths, The Juliana Theory is trying to prove a point that they are still at the top of their game with their 05’ release of “Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat.” September 13, 2005 was the day of reckoning for a band that has spent eight strenuous years trying to show the world that Epic Records cut the wrong band. 

The band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania has had a history of heated member-dropouts and sad departures.  Pulling in fans from around the Pittsburgh area, they captured the hearts of sold-out crowds through their two hit records: “Understanding the Dream is Over” and “Emotion is Dead.” 

The buzz and hype booked them a deal with the famous label Epic Records.  They finished their contract with Tooth and Nail Records with the release of “Music From Another Room.”  The album’s effect left it’s listeners with mixed feelings.  They soon headed to the studio to record “Love.”  They ended up kicking out their drummer, picking up Josh Walters as their new drummer, and the album flopped in the eyes of the record company.  Theory was dropped from the label. 

Searching for a new home to display their new line up and motivation to gain back their ground, they signed with Paper Fist/ Abacus Records.  Produced by John Travis (Social Distortion, Kid Rock), co-produced by front man Brett Detar, and mixed by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Rancid), Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat is a record that returns back to their original roots. 

Bassist Chad Alan explains, “It sounds like (second record) “Emotion Is Dead” on crystal meth.  It’s also quite personal and exhibits darker themes than our past efforts.” 

Recorded almost completely live with a heavy DIY aesthetic in check, Detar recorded most of the vocals live in his home basement studio. 

Detar stated in an interview “It’s basically a goodbye album, a farwell record.  It’s one long series of goodbyes after another, except they aren’t sappy, sad goodbyes.  Most of them are good-riddance-type of goodbyes.  Lyrically the songs convey almost elated farewells to lovers, towns, and bad relationships.” 

The record opens with the song “This Is A Lovesong… For the Loveless” (which is their latest video) and glides right into diverse tracks like “Shotgun Serenade.”  Catchy beats that will make you dance from “Leave Like a Ghost (Drive Away)”, to the jaw-dropping vocals on “The Final Song”, to throat-ripping emotion on songs such as the last track “French Kiss-off.” 

The transitions are smooth, yet never out of place, and puts the five kids from Pittsburgh right back to their Tooth and Nail days. The new album leaves the doors open for the regain of old fans and builds a new addition for a fresh start.