Change is always quite difficult. Especially when what you’re changing is seemingly a staple part of who you are. Naturally, the change we’re speaking of is Emarosa choosing to let go of former vocalist Jonny Craig, whose controversial behaviour tends to outshine the actual content and musicianship of any bands he is a part of. Years after their 2010 sophomore album ‘Emarosa’, the band are painting on a new canvas with their album ‘Versus’, featuring Bradley Walden (ex Squid The Whale) taking over the reigns over the lead vocals. What does this change really mean for Emarosa? It’s finding the right balance between starting on a clean slate and not straying too far away from that typical Emarosa sound.
Sparking energy from the get go, ‘People Like Me, We Just Don’t Play’ opens the album with a high level of excitement through a familiar sound and the opportunity for huge vocals, which the band definitely took advantage of. ‘American Deja Vu’ follows suit, punching in in an explosive manner. With these two opening tracks the band have found a way of paying tribute to their post-hardcore roots all the while progressing down a more alternative lane. Plastered in hooks, these are the kind of tracks that are so enjoyable it really isn’t possible to not groove to it.
It’s not all high energy though, as songs like ‘I’ll Just Wait’ will illustrate. With less chaos happening around him, this gives Walden the chance to show that despite having big shoes to fill, he’s brought his own pair that’s just as good. Bursting with emotions, this slow jam is sweet and melodic yet it still has huge moments that cause you to jump up and sing along.
‘Say Hello To The Bad Guy’ showcases a brilliant vocal performance, alternating between aggression and vulnerability. For most of the track Walden has stolen the show, but soon thereafter you’re reminded of the instrumental aspect through what can only be described as an explosion of sound. The common case in these songs, as also demonstrated on ‘Cliff Notes’, is that no matter how slow the song is, as soon as it hits the chorus it transforms itself to become not only heavier but also catchier.
An opposite approach is used in ‘Gold Dust’, where the verses are clearly filled with so much attitude, yet as it rolls into the chorus, it’s almost taken down a notch and becomes more vulnerable. It’s been an interesting journey thus far, but Emarosa have truly saved the best for last with ‘1996 on Bevard’. Tempo rises with the pumping drums and the achingly honest lyrics that a lot fans may be able to relate to: “afraid I’ll be my father and fade away. Afraid I’ll be forgotten, but I can’t change.”
What Emarosa is offering fans with ‘Versus’ is a huge melting pot of various listening pleasures. This album is highly diverse, keeping you constantly guessing with their perfect balance of high energy and slow cuts. They’ve been given the opportunity to prove that the band is more than just who their frontman is, and they’ve done exactly that. The future looks extremely promising for Emarosa.
