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New Found GloryCatalyst Drive-Thru/Geffen/UMG Faster. Harder. Darker. Stronger. Better. From the very start of their new album 'Catalyst', it's obvious that New Found Glory are keen to break free of the restrictive pop/punk style they've held onto for so long. Don't get me wrong - they were great at making that sort of song. Their self titled debut is high on my All Time Great Albums list - but last album 'Sticks And Stones' just seemed to be the same song played over and over again and I'd almost given up on the band. Until 'Catalyst,' which adds New Found Glory to the list of rad bands who are "growing up" - both in sound and subject matter. Guitarist Chad Gilbert has never been secretive about his love for heavier music and it seems he's finally having more say in the new material: the band are fusing their old style with new influences to come up with a whole new sound. Had it not been for Jordan Pundik's distinctive nasal voice, you'd swear it was a different band. First single All Downhill From Here gently eases fans into new territory before This Disaster hints at their new darker side. Now driven by heavy guitar riffs and more personal and emotional lyrics, the band surprise with Over The Head, Below The Knees and At Least I'm Known For Something. Still, let's not forget the sound that made them famous - the sickly sweet pop songs about girls that we all know and love. They're here too, such as Truth Of My Youth and the gorgeous I Don't Wanna Know. The best songs come at the end of the album with their 'Rock Against Bush' contribution No News Is Good News and the amazingly catchy I'd Kill To Fall Asleep, which can only be described as an ode to insomnia. But by far the best on the entire disc is a track exclusive to Australian fans (and, interestingly, directed at a radio presenter in our very own town), Radio Adelaide, with a chorus that'll be stuck in your head for weeks. The only thing to possibly complain about is that the video for the new single wasn't included on the enhanced CD features but, from the behind-the-scenes featurette they included, it looks like it'll be amazing.  |
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