After having the same line-up for 17 years, some questioned whether New Found Glory’s new album ‘Resurrection’ would be unavailing after the controversial departure of guitarist Steve Klein last year. However, if there’s one way to show that you’re going to work just fine as a four piece, releasing an album as flawless as ‘Resurrection’ is definitely one.
The album opens with ‘Selfless’, a track about altruistically living each day like it’s your last. This song, as well as others such as ‘Persistent’, ‘Degenerate’ and ‘Living Hell’, incorporates a signature New Found Glory style riff that strikes the right balance between pop punk and a hint of easycore. Despite this, a contrast can be seen between this album and New Found Glory’s seven other studio albums. While the riffs are recognisable, they appear a lot heavier and it would appear that guitarist Chad Gilbert has used his hardcore influences frequently throughout Resurrection which adds a revitalising twist. ‘Selfless’ is a perfect example of this, demonstrating an immaculate riff that chugs away with the assistance of fast paced drums.
Another theme throughout ‘Resurrection’ is the regression back to the classic pop punk sound of the 2000s, an era in which New Found Glory thrived. Examples of this can be found in ‘Stories of a Different Kind’, ‘Resurrection’ and ‘The Worst Person’. With the emergence of the newer pop punk scene, it’s refreshing to see New Found Glory pay homage to their roots while also incorporating a newer sound compared to the songs from their early days. The consolidation of old and new is something they do best throughout the album and proves that even after so long, they’re able to reinvent their sound without drifting too far from their trademark style of music.
Lyrically, many of the songs portray the anger felt towards former guitarist Steve Klein. ‘The Worst Person’ is an example of this stating ‘You might be the worst person I’ve ever met, I’ve ever known/You keep doing all that s**t that you regret/End up alone’. Elsewhere, New Found Glory reflect on their time as a band and try giving advice to other bands who see music as a business rather than a passion. This can be seen in ‘Ready’ and ‘Willing’, who’s video seemed to poke fun at boy bands like 5 Seconds of Summer. Overall, the lyrics aren’t the best on this album. While they convey the message and do the job, the loss of Steve Klein shows (Klein had previously done a lot of the lyric writing). The main criticism is that some fans may find them simplistic and not on the same level as previous albums.
Another criticism of ‘Resurrection’ is the song ‘Angel’ which demonstrates more pop than punk. Although some may find it perfect for a sing along, it feels mediocre, slow and out of place on an album that is otherwise foolproof. Furthermore the vocals seem over-produced and unnatural.
Overall, ‘Resurrection’ is a great album and definitely something that any pop punk fan should add to their collection. Although the lyrics aren’t up to their usual standards, they are in no way awful or ruin the album; it just shows that their adventures as a four piece are just beginning with room to improve their lyric writing. The only downfall is ‘Angel’ which feels out of place and lacking the intricate riffs that are displayed throughout the rest of the album. Aside from this, ‘Resurrection’ is a flawless example of a pop punk album, showing that carrying on as a four piece is not something any fan should be concerned about. One of the best things about New Found Glory is with each new album they are able to reinvent their sound into something new without escaping their roots and this album is certainly no exception.
By Eleanor Parkinson
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