Versus

During Johnny Craig's tenure, Emarosa was almost exclusively defined by his voice. Yes, the songs were great and the musicianship solid. But they kept it simple enough for him to soar over it. When he left the band, it was just about impossible to see how they could continue on. Somehow, they were able to find a vocalist powerful and unique enough to fit their style.Bradley Walden's voice is soulful and powerful enough to overlap with Johnny's style, but he also brings more dynamic range and playful melodies. Johnny is the singer that blows you away, but Bradley is the guy you sing along with in the car. Emarosa with Bradley is a lot like Dance Gavin Dance with Tilian, in that the groups are now a bit more locked in with the vocalist, rather than set apart.The music feels very much like self-titled part two. I would have liked to hear the band grow and push themselves a bit more than they did, but it's still very good. You still have the melodic single note leads against the rhythm chords on top of stripped-down beats that sound like they were made for stadium rock, similarly self-restrained like the self-titled compared to Relativity.My favorite tracks are the "heavier" songs, like People Like Me, American Deja Vu, Mad, and 1996. These feature classic Emarosa power and melody, restrained verses with soaring choruses. I also really like the songs that the group steps out of their comfort zone. A Hundred Crowns has a dark alt-pop sound, like Squid the Whale. Say Hello is kind of a march with MJ-esque vocals on top. Gold Dust almost sounds like a Paramore song.Weak spots for me are the ballads. I'll Just Wait reminds me of Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle", in that it was probably the weakest song on the album but the most accessible, and if pop radio weren't so terrible this could be a crossover hit. Cliff Notes also kind of drags. Both these songs are built on fairly "stock" chord changes like every alt-Christian song you've ever heard. Yeah I know the lyrics are very personal, but that's what I think.In terms of production, I felt there was a step back between Relativity and Self-Titled, and honestly this is almost another step back for my tastes. It starts with the drums, which are way too heavily sampled and the cymbals completely pulled out of the mix. That's great for pop music, but I want my rock drummers to sound like they are playing a kit. The guitars are mixed fairly low and dark as well. The vocals obviously sit on top and are featured, but they don't need to turn the rest of the band down as much as they did. I could make the same criticism for most bands is this post-hardcore genre, though. I just like a balance between natural sound and some of the pop treatment.Overally, this is a great "comeback" album, which maybe ties up all loose ends and hopefully sets the stage for them to really step out on their next album.

It's true; Emarosa will never be as good as they were with Jonny Craig. That being said Bradley Walden is a breath of fresh air that this band desperately needed. I couldn't put this band anywhere near the post hard core sound they once had. I'm not sure what genre they now fall in, but I enjoy every track on this album. If you got 10 bucks burning a hole in your pocket, drop it on this album and you won't be disappointed.

Solid. If you are a fan of Relativity and Emarosa (self-titled), you get a different spin with this record. No JC, and that is a change. But, the songs would have been a shift with JC - this record isn't trying to be a rehash of their previous efforts, it is good on its own, and the new vocals are different but this is a good record from this band. I recommend it, and recommend getting a vinyl - it is a limited pressing (white) and comes with a CD.

A bit of a different sound then other Emarosa albums but still amazing. It's a tad pop-y but the drums even it out quiet nicely. Good buy and can't beat the price! Plus comes with a CD.

5 starts that is if you like the band !

Sucha great album, super smooth and well done

Best songs! There is not one song on the CD that I do not absolutely love!!! Emarosa is going to be the next band to become a household name. I definitely give it 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As advertised.