REVIEW: New Found Glory - 'Forever and Ever x Infinity'
On June 19th, the iconic Florida natives in New Found Glory released Forever and Ever x Infinity. The pop-punk darlings have held down the genre for more than 23 years, and they’re back with one of the most anticipated releases of the summer, with each track drenched in sun rays and undeniable pop-punk beautitude that is sure to get fans new and old coming back for more. Diving back into older roots with infectiously engaging lyrical delivery and addicting, punchy instrumental fervor, it’s impossible to put this record down once your ears grab hold of the gold that exists within the first few tracks.
S-class hits, such as “Shook by Your Shaved Head”, deliver us the first taste of many flavors for what is to come on the remainder of the album. Numbers like this convey an utter sense of NFG nostalgia like never before, taking us back to the days of Sticks and Stones, but with a subtle note of metallic edge intertwined within.
Other gems such as “Greatest Of All Time” maintains at its core what NFG is all about, with catchy romantic lyrics offset by some of the most memorable instrumentals the band has mustered up to date. More lively and animated features, such as “Double Chin For The Win” and “Stay Awhile”, set the album ablaze with classic sounds NFG fans have been craving since 2017's Makes Me Sick. With colorfully melodic, aggressive guitar riffs and pulsating double-time drum work, listeners will instantly be drawn to the romantic musical journey New Found Glory has taken us on.
Junctures such as “More And More” changes up the soundscape just a bit, providing a unique listening experience that is stripped down, evocative, and vulnerable.
We then come close to the bliss point of an already explosive record, with anthem highlight “The Way You Deserve”. The track provides the positive affirmations society needs for today, as the world has been going through a pretty rough and dark time as of late. “The Way You Deserve” urges us to find self-love and to find people that love us for who we are, not for what society wants us to be. Effectively written “Trophy” is one of the most attractive treasures on the record, giving us another hit that many of us will have on repeat the moment it’s finished. The album then confidently ends with another acoustically beautiful moment, “Slipping Away”. It provides pretty, glowing unvarnished guitar riffs, gang vocals, and gives us the dramatic finisher that many fans will be happy with.
This album is a testament to what the band has been successful in delivering for the past decade. Expertly combining pop-punk and post-hardcore elements peppered into almost every track, it’s not hard to see why this band is still around. NFG proves they have the staying power to contend with newer bands in the genre, showing a mastery of effortlessly creative lyrics and crafty instrumental delivery that brings constant replay value for years to come.