New Found Glory – “Catalyst”

Catalyst represents a turning point for New Found Glory, as the band intentionally leaned into a darker, heavier and more aggressive sound without abandoning the melodic core that defined their earlier work. Coming off the massive success of Sticks and Stones, the band could have easily doubled down on glossy pop punk hooks. Instead, they chose to push themselves forward, even if it meant alienating some longtime fans in the process.

The shift is felt immediately in Neal Avron’s production. Avron encouraged the band to embrace a more hardcore-influenced approach, resulting in punchier guitars, faster tempos and a more urgent overall feel. The songs hit harder and waste less time, with tighter structures and a sense of momentum that rarely lets up across the tracklist.

Nowhere is that intent clearer than on the “Intro,” a lean 37-second opening salvo. Blazing fast guitars, rapid-fire vocal delivery and gang vocals crash together in a way that feels confrontational and exhilarating. It is instantly memorable and makes it clear that Catalyst is not interested in easing the listener in.

Lyrically, the album focuses heavily on frustration, betrayal, personal accountability and emotional burnout. There is less of the youthful optimism that colored earlier releases and more bitterness and self-reflection. The writing feels more confrontational, often directed inward as much as outward, which pairs well with the more aggressive musical backdrop.

“All Downhill from Here” stands out as the album’s defining single. It balances New Found Glory’s gift for hooks with the darker tone of the record, delivering a chorus that feels both anthemic and weary. “Your Biggest Mistake” leans further into venom and self-awareness, while “Failure’s Not Flattering” thrives on urgency, channeling anxiety into a relentless forward drive.

The guitars are consistently sharp and energetic throughout the album, providing both melody and bite. Jordan Pundik’s vocal delivery is also a highlight, as he switches speeds effortlessly, snapping through faster passages before settling into more controlled melodic lines. His voice sounds more strained here, but that tension works in the album’s favor.

The tonal shift did not sit well with every longtime fan upon release. Some listeners missed the brighter pop punk sheen of earlier records, while others embraced the added weight and urgency. Over time, Catalyst has aged well as a necessary evolution rather than a misstep, showing a band willing to challenge their own comfort zone.

The album’s weakest moment comes with “I Don’t Wanna Know,” where the band abruptly takes their foot off the gas for an unnecessary ballad. It feels shoehorned into the middle of the album and disrupts the otherwise consistent pacing. Without it, Catalyst would feel even more focused and cohesive.

Even with that flaw, Catalyst remains one of New Found Glory’s most compelling releases. It is heavier, faster and more emotionally bruised than what came before, and that willingness to take risks is exactly what gives the album its lasting power.

For Fans Of:

• The Starting Line – Based on a True Story
• Saves the Day – In Reverie
• Alkaline Trio – Good Mourning