AMG Review of Music from Another Room

Tom Semioli
All Music Guide

As emphasized in the text of bandleader Brett Detar's liner notes, Music from Another Room is a portrait of the Juliana Theory in a period of transition. Culled from B-sides and assorted cuts old and new, this six-song EP is a remarkably coherent collection. Though "This Is the End of Your Life" centers on an arpeggio motif clearly cobbled from Pink Floyd's "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," the song accurately illustrates the band's textural three-guitar attack and resilient emo rock attitude. Far from a one-trick pony, the Juliana Theory successfully dabble with techno ("Liability"), folk ("Moments"), and alternative arena rock ("Breathing by Wires"). The final piece of this charismatic puzzle is "Piano Song," the kind of tune that has kept Elton John in tantrums and tiaras for over three decades. A strong effort from a band primed for its 2002 major-label debut, Love.