For the first time in over 15 years, we’re just one day away from a brand new album from influential emo act The Juliana Theory.
In case you’ve been wondering what frontman Brett Detar and guitarist Joshua Fiedler have been up to for the past decade and a half – specifically what music they’ve been listening to since 2005′s Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat – well, frankly, so have we.
Which is why, as they gear up to drop their new eight-track LP A Dream Away, we asked the band what scene-leaning music they’ve been listening to during their lengthy hiatus.
To see the wide variety of bands Fiedler picked, which just might have helped influence their newest Equal Vision Records release, be sure to look below. Afterward, make sure to pre-order The Juliana Theory’s new record here.
Eisley
Made up of three sisters, a brother and a cousin, this family band continued to put out great album after album. While not emo, they often traveled in the same scene and their songs were sure to make you feel the feels with their harmonies and vocal tones that have remained unrivaled to this day. Every album (even their latest which saw two of the sisters leave to pursue other paths) have been great records from start to finish full of interesting textures and songs that portray dreamscapes in the best way.
Best Coast
They put out their first record in 2010 but Bethany was writing amazing songs back in the Myspace days. While starting more in the vein of a verbed out Pop Punk, Best Coast have continued to put out great album after great album. They are a perfect mixture of good songs that make you feel things in the best way. Melody hooks that could rival the Supremes, and guitar and keyboard textures everywhere.
Death From Above 1979
Not many bands can rival the unadulterated power that this Canadian duo put out with their drum and bass assault. They took a hiatus for some time, but came back and picked up like they never left. Punk and hardcore energy ala Fugazi mixed with dance beats.
Manchester Orchestra
Great songwriting with the ability to evolve with every record they have put out. Manchester Orchestra has done what TJT did back in the day only on a greater scale. They have the ability to write a gorgeous acoustic ballad to then blowing your ears out with huge drums, fuzzed out guitars, and great melodies.
Morning Parade
This UK band only put out two records in 2012 and 2014, but remain to this day one of my favorites. They had the ability to mix emo, shoe gaze, indie rock, and pop all in one glorious mixture.
Gaslight Anthem
Again, not emo, but traveled in the same circles. Basically what you get when you mix Lifetime, River City High, and Bruce Springsteen into a perfect little ball. The songs were well written, it had simplicity exactly where it needed and the lyrics were heartfelt and genuine.
Bloc Party
Since 2005, Bloc Party may be my favorite on my entire list of “scene” bands. But they weren’t really a scene band. They picked up where all the scene bands left off, with a dose of frenetic energy that no other group had. To top it off, the unique guitar landscapes that Kele and Russell put down with every record is unmatched. A truly great band, and unique in every way.
