EMAROSA “Relativity”
The fellas in EMAROSA have come a long way since releasing their This Is Your Way Out EP in May 2007. In fact, their transition from a standard metalcore band to a well-rounded rock powerhouse is so astonishing that it’s hard not to give most of the credit to their change in leadership. Toward the end of the year, the band picked up maverick singer Jonny Craig, a guy who had just been let go and publicly denounced by his now former bandmates in DANCE GAVIN DANCE. Although it was hard to tell exactly what Craig was singing on a majority of the DANCE GAVIN DANCE songs, his soaring voice helped carry what was a very impressive debut from the band. By some chance, EMAROSA’s newest album, Relativity, finds Craig’s new bandmates covering territory quite similar to that of his old bandmates.
Immediately striking is the guitar vibe found on Relativity. It’s like the guitarists completely turned in the metallic riffs for some straight out of DANCE GAVIN DANCE’s playbook. When you put Craig’s singing style over these guitar parts, it truly is hard to ignore the comparison. This would be just fine if it only showed up in one or two songs, but it is present throughout the whole album. This lingering influence aside, EMAROSA really prove themselves to be capable musicians here. “Her Advice Cost Us A Life” is one of the more impressive tracks as it contains a variety of guitar tones and styles before concluding with a tasteful breakdown. While breakdowns might have run rampant on EMAROSA’s past material, their new stuff is no longer hindered by this hard-to-get-right tool. The band’s best work comes when the songs run at a quick pace because Craig is afforded the opportunity to drive the song with a voice that seems to never run dry. Although it does contain a few slower parts, “What’s A Clock Without The Batteries?” is a good example of this as Craig is given much of the time to shine. Out of all the tracks, “I Still Feel Her – Part I” shows the most promise for the future. Here, the band’s bassist actually proves he exists, and the guitar parts are far more dynamic here than elsewhere on the album. Additionally, Craig gives what could qualify as his best performance yet as he hits a wide range of peaks and valleys unlike anywhere else on the disc.
Even though EMAROSA come from a metalcore past, this album shows they are willing to change things up and try new styles. While there are definitely similarities to the heavier rock of DANCE GAVIN DANCE, a song like “I Still Feel Her” points to other influences – predominantly CIRCA SURVIVE – creeping their way into the band’s already impressive foundation. If Craig can stay straight and lead this band, they surely have a good looking future within the realm of this heavier, sorta-kinda-progressive rock genre. For now, the band has to work on trying to spin their songs in different directions since it is very challenging to make twelve different tracks on an album of this nature actually sound different. Apart from this noticeable weakness, EMAROSA have constructed a solid debut with Relativity.
Rise
