“Can’t Go Home” by The Juliana Theory (repost), Thursday, November 9, 2023

Thomas Wolfe is most famous for his novel You Can't Go Home Again which is a tome that I haven't read. However, I did read his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel, which deals with similar themes. I picked up the book in the middle of a semester from hell and an existential crisis. I found Wolfe's descriptions of Southern life--the people in town and family members, the scenery, and the food--so comforting. The mostly autobiographical novel is nostalgic, but the protagonist, Eugene's academic pursuits push him to see the world outside of the isolated mountain town of Altamont (Asheville).

DEFER TOMORROW. The Juliana Theory is a band whose influence far exceeds its success. Formed as the side project of Brett Detar, the guitarist of the Christian metal band Zao, when he wanted to incorporate the catchiness of radio rock bands like Third Eye Blind that the metal band listened to in van on tour, The Juliana Theory became a legendary band in the pop-punk scene. The Juliana Theory was the first general-market Tooth & Nail band, which Detar talks about on the band’s episode of the Labeled podcast, saying that being a non-Christian band on a mostly-Christian label caused the band to be neglected when it came to marketing. However, the band did transition to Epic Records, but after commercial failure, the band broke up in 2006. But like so many legendary bands, that wasn’t the end of the story. The Juliana Theory was one of those COVID groups that decided to try a DIY approach to make new music. First, it was today’s song, “Can’t Go Home,” then “Better Now,” which was included on a project of reworked songs from the band’s career. This year, the band released an EP of nostalgic pop-punk tracks called Still the Same Kids Pt. 1. “Can’t Go Home” perfectly captures the new sound of The Juliana Theory. There are clear ties to the past sound—the driving bass and guitar. But newer pop hooks, campfire-sounding songs, and a little bit of gospel make the song infectious. 

THE ONLY CERTAIN IS WE CAN’T GO HOME. The Juliana Theory’s lead single from Still the Same Kids Pt. 1 is an equally nostalgic track called “Playback ‘99 (Burn the Cassette Deck).” The song’s lyrics focus on all the greatness of the late ‘90s. But one of the most interesting things about that song is the varying tempo, mimicking a faulty cassette tape. The Juliana Theory has grown as musicians. It’s not the same band from the early ‘00s, and that’s what “Can’t Go Home” is all about. In 2022, many of us are longing to get back to 2019. Many of us hold a nostalgia for a pre-pandemic world, and we’re frustrated when things aren’t returning to normal. “Can’t Go Home” assumes that things aren’t going back. We have to move on and move forward. Besides, I recall in 2019 longing for things to go back to normal like they were pre-President Trump. Maybe we’re always searching for what makes us feel safe. Maybe we’re always living in the past, but the truth is, we can’t go home.