New Found Glory: Pop-punk best heard live
Pop-punk, as we know it, wouldn’t exist without the bands your parents banged their heads to—The Ramones, The Buzzcocks and Descendents.
Today’s pop-punk garden variety, 40 years removed from its original sources, probably wouldn’t exist without New Found Glory.
NFG came out ahead of titular pop-punk poster boys Blink-182 and have outlasted those potty mouths, to their never-ending surprise.
Hit-making abilities
Founded in 1997 in Florida, New Found Glory is still an active concern, alive and well and conquering a new generation of fans with their patented melodic riffs, muscular backbeat and catchy choruses on songs about relationships, break-ups and being young forever.
They’ve proven their hit-making abilities, turning original songs into solid hits like “Hit or Miss,” “My Friend’s over You” and “It’s Not Your Fault.” Their covers of Lisa Loeb's "Stay" and Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget about Me” are just as memorable to legions of pop-punk fans.
Vocalist Jordan Pundik has said that he started the band when he was still a teenager but to him, every new album is still just as energizing as their debut almost 18 years ago.
Ups and downs
Still, you don’t last as long as NFG without a cycle of ups and downs.
In the past two years, for instance, the band faced the challenge of a career-zapping trauma.
Prior to the making of the new album "Resurrection," rhythm guitarist and founding member Steve Klein was charged in court with multiple counts of lewd conduct with a minor.
Klein was removed from the band after his initial arraignment with a “not guilty” plea. He has not been found guilty of the allegation by a judge or jury since.
Upward trajectory
But NFG soldiered on.
Last year, the band released their eighth studio album "Resurrection," which sums up the band’s upward trajectory into the new year.
Pundik refuses to become jaded despite being in a band for a long time. His mindset is to stay on the edge, that there will always be competition dead set to put them out to the sidelines and they should be just as ready to stay ahead of a rather predictable curve.
At their peak live
Pundik is particularly excited with each new tour, which he treats as a fresh start. In fact, both critics and fans are one in saying New Found Glory is at their peak in a live performance.
On stage, despite their smashing punk rock, Pundik share lessons that resonate with his own life.
He describes his best songs to be a call to action to rise above temporary hurdles. His main message to fans everywhere: Don’t give up. Refuse to be beaten by life’s trials and you will pull through.
PULP Live World presents New Found Glory live on Feb. 8 at SM Skydome, SM City, North Edsa, Quezon City. Gates open at 6 pm, show starts at 8. Tickets at P2590 and 1860 available at all SM ticket outlets and online.
