Another new band to this reviewers ears (despite the fact this is their 4th album) and after reading the press release I was expecting something a little different from the normal "pop/punk/rock" fodder (the press release makes a big play on the bands' commitment to change and evolution and also their integrity and work-ethic). I was a little disappointed in this respect as Catalyst doesn't really offer a great deal that's not already available (often with greater originality) within the bands' chosen lyrical themes and genre(s).

However, looking on the positive side, there are points in the album when the band do manage to engage the listener and also offer some encouraging signs for the future. If you ignore the opener "Intro" which is really either meant to be a pastiche on (US) hardcore punk or a deliberate curve-ball to give you a bigger shock when the album proper starts. The first single "All Downhill From Here" hits you with a good opening riff and sports a chorus with a good vocal hook, so far so good then. The next two tracks are pretty standard fare(although "Truth Of The Youth" could have been better if the backing vocals had been more prominent in the mix) and then we get to what I feel is a big mistake, the ballad "I Don't Wanna Know". In the press release it's clear that the band feel this where some of their best and most imaginative work has come to fruition, sadly the result is a formulaic ballad by numbers that will probably go on to sell huge amounts if ever released as a single!!.

Conversely, when the band decide to try something a little different the results are both refreshing and enjoyable, on "Your Biggest Mistake" they adopt a heavier sound (special mention must be made of Cyrus Bolooki's drumming on this track it really gives the tune extra power) and the vocal interplay between Pundik and the rest of the band during the bridge/chorus sections, definitely one of the albums highlights. Another stand-out track is "Failure's Not Flattering" which adds a neat keyboard melody to an already strong tune with excellent results.

So on reflection if you're looking for pop/punk tunes about relationships and their problems you would be better served by Jimmy Eat Worlds "Bleed American" or Weezers "Green", however that's not to say "Catalyst" should be ignored as there is evidence here that New Found Glory have all the right ingredients to be able to match those bands in producing "a must have" album in this genre, they may need to push the boundaries a little more to achieve it though

Let us know your views on 'Catalyst'

Track List

Intro
All Downhill From Here
This Disaster
Truth Of The Youth
I Don't Wanna Know
Your Biggest Mistake
Doubt Full
Failure's Not Flattering
Over The Head, Below The Knees Ending In Tragedy
At Least I'm Known For Something
I'd Kill To Fall Asleep
No News Is Good News
Radio Adelaide
Constant Static
Who I Am

Line Up

Jordan Pundik - Vocals
Ian Grushka - Bass
Steve Klein - Guitar
Chad Gilbert - Guitar
Cyrus Bolooki - Drums