One of the best albums to come out thus far in 1999 is The Juliana Theory's Understand this is a Dream. Don't be thrown off by the fact that the band is led by Brett Detar, formerly of Zao; this album never even approaches hardcore. It's somewhere between poppy "emo" mood rock, post-punk rock-n-roll, and just plain good music.

Some songs, like "August in Bethany" and "The Closest Thing," are rather catchy power pop, and it's not difficult imagining these as prospective radio hits. Other songs, such as "Music Box Superhero" and "This Is Not A Love Song" are moody, intricate pieces that just astound the discerning listener. Songs like "Seven Forty-Seven" show off a more punk influence.

Lyrically, this album doesn't have a high "JPM" (Jesus Per Minute) rating. That is, it's an album more about depicting everyday life from a Christian perspective than it is a praise and worship album. Predominant themes are friendship and the right kind of love. This album has a great flow to it. I can't tell you how easy it is to just start letting the music soak in early in the album and then suddenly realize you are nearing or facing the end. This is definitely one of those "sit alone in the dark and listen to it on a deeper level" type albums. Everything just blends so well and works together on this record.

What do they "sound" like? Well, if you take the most recent Sunny Day Real Estate album (How It Feels To Be Something On) and combine it with Starflyer 59, a dash of the Prayer Chain's Mercury album, a pinch of Weezer, and a wee bit of new school punk (gotta listen for it, though!), then you've come close. If you are into music that gets a bit deeper than mainstream CCM or top 40, then Understand This Is A Dream is a great choice.