Emarosa – Emarosa – Review

Release Date: June 29th, 2010
Record Label: Rise Records
Genre: Post-Hardcore

For someone that was forcefully removed from his first group, Jonny Craig has certainly turned his luck around in the last few years. From helming his new full-time outift, Emarosa, to releasing an inspiring solo effort, and teaming up for the side project Isles & Glaciers — he only seems to get busier since his unplanned exodus from Dance Gavin Dance. So two years ago, after Emarosa released their well recieved debut album “Relativity,” I became eager to hear what steps the band would take next. Now, with the help of MD-based acclaimed producer Brian McTernan, their latest self-titled record is on track to turn heads and charm expectations.

There are a few things that you need to take into account when judging an Emarosa effort. One, which is the most apparent, is how do Jonny Craig‘s vocals stack up this time around? The answer is easy, as with anything he helms, including this self-titled effort, his soulful belting and suave voice are as prominent and moving as ever — finding a way to still deliver angsty lyrics without the need for crutch screaming or moaning. I’m sure he considers himself an MC of sorts rather than a lead singer. Also, thanks to Brian’s production, his vocals hold equal weight with the bands layered and busy guitars. Speaking of the strings of Jonas Ladekjaer and ER White, they have taken their normal melodic fretwork and added ethereal pedals/effects that help them transcend the tired post-hardcore genre, along with the help of Jordan Stewart (keyboards) makes tracks like “Share the Sunshine Young Blood” sound less than someone like Burden Of A Day and more like the early days of experimental Thrice.

There is solid maturation and growth with this record, both musically and in influence. It doesn’t seek to lay in cheap catchy tracks or songs that blow your face off with drive-by force, but rather lure you in with soothing songs of debonair articulation and a tightly woven fabric of atmospheric guitars — leading to harmony in all facets of the band. It matches the current energy and musical styling of another current popular band, Saosin. Something which is demonstrated in the continuing opera of “I Still Feel Her Pt 4.” Of course Jonny has much more vocal range and gusto than anything Cove Reber could venture. Also, the tongue in cheek lyrics will have you scouring the album notes for hidden meanings and stabs of honest from Jonny.

“Emarosa” contains both slow-building, effects-focused climaxing tracks, as well as post-hardcore efforts that center on layer-intensive melodic guitar work. Both of which never leave the “goes-down-smooth” mantra of passive post-hardcore, leaving an enjoyable taste in your mouth after each listen — and finding an album that doesn’t succumb to white noise over-playing is a welcome effort. So if you are a fan of polished production, airy tracks that build with every chord, and a set of passionate vocals that light this albums every step, then Emarosa has an album that won’t soon leave your playlist. ~Staff

Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:
1. A Toast To The Future Kids! 
2. Pretend.Relive.Regret 
3. Share The Sunshine Young Blood 
4. Truth Hurts While Laying On Your Back 
5. Live It. Love It, Lust It 
6. The Game Played Right 
7. Broken Vs. The Way We Were Born 
8. I Still Feel Her Pt. 4 
9. The Weight Of Love Blinds Eyes 
10. We Are Life