Review Summary: A proper resurrection
There’s really not much to gripe about for longtime fans of New Found Glory with the release of their most recent effort
Resurrection. It is, much as the title suggests, an attempt to revive the band’s signature sound, and for the most part it’s a complete success. Although the pop-punk veterans have worked diligently to bring back glimpses of their roots on their last few albums, they sounded recycled and forced at times. On this occasion, however, New Found Glory actually sound like they’re having a good time again, rather than just going through the motions. The result is one of their most addicting and consistent albums in over a decade.
While the band’s persistence to create that one special album that will bring them back into the spotlight has certainly paid off, it’s something else that makes
Resurrection so much more likeable than their recent efforts: a sense of
attitude. While
Radiosurgery still sounded undoubtedly like a New Found Glory album, it was a bit too pop-heavy (even by their standards) and was missing that extra dose of edginess that made their self titled and
Sticks and Stones so engaging. And that’s what makes
Resurrection such a treat to listen to: that extra aggression has returned and everything about the band feels reinvigorated, from the punchy guitars to the noticeable improvement in their lyricism. No longer are all the songs about girls, but even the ones that are come across as more clever than whiny this time around. For example, songs like ‘Vicious Love’ and ‘Living Hell’ are love tales that never find the band returning to their past lyrical cliche’s, but instead rely on humor to get their point across. Other songs like ‘The Worst Person’ and 'Angel’ have a more unapologetic nature as the band sings against a person’s faults all while retaining their huge choruses and hooks.
Once again, Jordan Pundik is on vocal duties and he sounds fully revived as he injects all his stamina into his performance. 'Stories of a Different Kind’ showcases him at his very best, and it sounds like it would have fit snugly on
Sticks and Stones. The guitar-work is also a definite highlight, and even though they only have one guitarist now, Chad Gilbert proves he has more than enough talent to carry the album on his own. Songs like ‘Degenerate’ and ‘Selfless’ possess a slight hardcore vibe and have more energy stuffed into them than the band is usually able to replicate with an extra guitar on hand. The rest of the album is no exception, as nearly every track contains memorable guitar parts and an overall improvement in musicianship.
Despite facing the obstacle of losing one of their longtime band members, New Found Glory have made a triumphant return with
Resurrection. If anything, the album is a statement that they’re not throwing in the towel anytime soon, and it’s refreshing to hear them so rejuvenated. What’s more fascinating, however, is how they were able to conjure up such a strong record more than fifteen years into their career. Whether it’s their undeniable passion for music or their perseverance that’s brought them back on top, they’re sure as hell doing something right. One thing’s for sure, New Found Glory had a blast making this album and thankfully for us, it’s just as much fun to listen to.
