It could very well be the year of pop-punk. With new releases by Blink 182 and Green Day on the way the music scene might shake up a bit. Another band called New Found Glory is battling their way to the top to join the others. They’ve been doing their thing for a while now and have just delivered their sixth album, Not Without a Fight. They might not be as much of a household name as the other two but they are certainly responsible for most of the new music that is coming out nowadays (see: Fall Out Boy or All Time Low).
The record begins right away with a track titled “Right Where We Left Off.” In this single track they have completed several tasks: named the new album in the lyrics (which is always fun to see how and when bands find it appropriate to do this), given a straight pop-rock song filled with the edge that would get anyone’s adrenaline to pump, and basically said that they are literally started where they left off. The whole the album is reminiscent of their last record Coming Home – minus the excess keyboards but filled with hints of flavor from their early records. “Listen to Your Friends” is the first single of the record and has lead singer Jordan Pundik’s lyrics move along with the fast-paced music behind him. A perfect sing-a-long brings memories of the old days.
However, it’s not just about doing what they do best for NFG. They have certainly taken into account some of the very bands that cite them as influences in order to influence themselves (if that isn’t confusing as it sounds.) There is definitely a taste of their recent tour mates in Four Year Strong and a Day to Remember, bringing back a hardcore-influence fused with the pop-punk they know and we love.
It’s almost as if they never grew up and are still playing the same songs about girls breaking their hearts, lost friendships and meeting new people each night. But that’s perfect for the people that are going to pick up this record – all are easily relatable topics.
They sometimes strive too much to find a ‘hit.’ But nowadays who knows what is going to pop and what will deflate just as quick in the current state of the music industry anyway?
It doesn’t matter if you were a fan of the band in the past or you are just looking for new music. Regardless it’s a solid release. Well produced, and something worthwhile to put in the CD player while driving out in the real world. And a perfect soundtrack as spring – and summer creep around the corner.
