With all the anger and depression most rock bands endorse in
their lyrics, The Juliana Theory stands out as one that takes pride
in its optimism.
“We like to generate a hopeful sense to our listeners.
We’ve never been a grim rock band,” said bass player
Chad Alan. “We just write about life and what’s around
us. There’s at least a moment of reconciliation in the
songs.”
While The Juliana Theory, playing in Westwood Plaza today at
noon, is at its core a traditional rock band, it still looks for
ways to stand out with a unique sound. One method is having three
guitarists, which can be hit or miss for performances.
“I think we’ve always just done our own thing and we
never really fit into a category. We have three guitarists on stage
which means a big wall of sound or a cluttered mess,” Alan
said.
This sound creates an energy The Juliana Theory believes is
essential to its live performance, and college campuses have
provided a good place to try and rock the Phil Spector way.
“College campuses are always very hospitable to the band.
It’s refreshing to do them sometimes,” Alan said.
“It’s more intimate.”
When The Juliana Theory formed in 1997, the group of friends
behind it didn’t have high hopes for the band and saw it as
more of a side project. Their approach has been to set small goals,
ultimately bringing the group to where it is now ““ recently
releasing its third album, “Love” and with a U.K. tour
behind it.
“We’re getting more comfortable with each
other,” Alan said. “We get along really well because
we’ve grown up together and always been best
friends.”
While recording “Love” The Juliana Theory worked
with a producer for the first time. Though the group thinks it
ultimately proved to be a beneficial experience, the members also
struggled with sharing and discussing song ideas with someone from
the outside. It was especially hard when the producer ended up
cutting some of the band members’ personal favorites, which
he felt hindered the positive feel of the album.
One song on the new album, “White Days,” shares the
band’s experience with conquering the natural elements in
snowy Salt Lake City, Utah.
Another new song, “Do You Believe Me?” sees the
singer dealing with a friend’s lack of dependability.
However, to counter the not-so-cheery lyrics, the band sought to
make the music encouraging.
“(“˜Do You Believe Me?’) is a bit of an upbeat
song musically, maybe like a U2 vibe about it. It has a sing-along
kind of chorus, but lyrically it’s someone pouring their
heart out,” Alan said.