New Found Glory – Catalyst

The power-pop quintet known as New Found Glory are back with their fourth release, Catalyst. With less promotion then what happened with their last release, Sticks And Stones, you know that the first set of album sales won’t be as high as last time; but that the true fans will be the ones running to the stores on the eighteenth to pick it up. And the album will not disappoint any of their fans in anyway. They blow through 14 listed tracks, and two bonus songs, in less then fifty minutes without ever stopping.

The album starts off with a 40 second mind blower introduction. They fly through it with heavy hooks, fast paced melodies and harsh vocals. Very similar to that off Sum 41‘s Does This Look Infected? The point of the intro? To warn the listeners that the band has changed and won’t be doing the same thing over and over again. But not to worry, all you old fans will still fall in love with the new songs, even though they have some differences. Jordan Pundik’s vocals haven’t changed in anyway. They are still just as powerful, just as strong, and just as poppy. Luckily, he doesn’t keep it constant. He changes the speed often, from small bursts of screams, to fast paced, to high energy vocals to soft paced ones; each song features something a bit different.

One thing I do really enjoy in this album are the lyrics. When you think of New Found Glory, you will most likely think of relationships songs (and yes, I know they don’t only sing relationship songs, but most of the singles are); but withCatalyst, you get a wide range of subjects. They are about the band’s sudden rise in fame, insomnia, self-confidence, and the media polluting the minds of innocent people. Of course, there are a few relationships songs, but that is a given and it never once becomes overwhelming.

If you liked New Found Glory before, then you will love Catalyst. They have grown since their last album, but still kept their trademark sound. If you hated them before, don’t expect this album to change your views. But I do know that I will be listening to this album for a long time to come.