New Found Glory - Catalyst

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 11 / 4 / 2004

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Though probably one of the least fashionable bands in the world, I have a soft spot for New Found Glory. Back in 2001, I thought their single, 'Dressed To Kill', was a really great song and promptly bought their second album. Then a year later they followed it up with the classic 'Sticks And Stones”'and a top notch performance at Reading, which I was not at all bothered about missing the White Stripes’ set for. This album is more of the same from the band, by that I mean that they continue to knock me out with great harmonies and killer riffs, on top of tremendous song writing. Granted, this isn’t the most sophisticated fare, but I’d much rather listen to a band that takes being catchy, melodic and fun seriously rather than listen to some the of ironic attempt at pop peddled by so many indie bands. Like 'Sticks And Stones' this new record is quite diverse stylistically, ranging from the hardcore of 'Over Your Head' to the mellow 'I Don’t Want To Know', but the constant factor is that all the melodies stick in your brain. Jordan’s vocals are still rather whiny, and you’ll either like them or you won’t but the interplay of the two guitarists has gone up another notch. Again, plenty of the band’s friends have been roped in to help (on the last album there were members of Alkaline Trio and Blink 182), this time there are keyboards from underground pop band Reggie And The Full Effect and backing vocals from hardcore punkers Bane. I’ll be honest, this is the sort of album that will appeal only to a few readers of Pennyblackmusic, but that’s probably got more to do with snobbishness than the quality of the music. If you’re looking for an album that is rocking, melodic and fun, but not ‘ironic’, rather heartfelt and genuine, then this is as good as anything. I can’t get it off my stereo at the moment.

Track Listing:-

1 Intro
2 All Downhill From Here
3 This Disaster
4 Truth Of My Youth
5 I Don't Wanna Know
6 Your Biggest Mistake
7 Doubt Full
8 Failure's Not Flattering
9 Over The Head, Below The Knees
10 Ending In Tragedy
11 At Least I'm Known For Something
12 I'd Kill To Fall Asleep
13 No News Is Good News
14 Radio Adelaide (Bonus Track)
15 Constant Static (Bonus Track)
16 Who Am I (Bonus Track)

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