Catalyst [Enhanced]

From the off we hear a more heavier, faster NFG, but with Jordans nasal vocals we recognise the band as New Found Glory. For this review I have given a run down of all the tracks.

1) Intro: Fast, heavy, introduction to the CD>
2) All Downhill From Here: The first single from Catalyst, to be honest I don't think it is the CD's best song but it definitely represents the whole image for Catalyst.
3) This Disaster: This Disaster is a riff driven song, but also offers a very catchy chorus.
4) Truth Of My Youth: Lyrically this song represents how NFG have grown up as they look back on their youth.
5) I Don't Wanna No: The best song on the CD. This is new NFG, and since hearing the start of "Broken Sound" I knew they had the potential for this type of music. The song is backed by a four string quartet and also has backing vocals from a female. Super song.
6) Your Biggest Mistake: This song represents some of the old NFG. A love song, strong power chords, strong drums.
7) Doubt Full: Another riff driven song with pumping bass. The song is also representative of the old NFG.
8) Failures Not Flattering: Failures Not Flattering for the third song in a row sounds like something that could have been on Sticks and Stones, aside from its backing by a keyboard. The lyrics however represent new thoughts from NFG.
9) Over The Head, Below The Knees: Possibly the worst song I have ever heard from NFG. It doesn't work. It sounds like the sort of song you expect to be included on an unsigned heavy rock bands demo tape.
10) Ending In Tragedy: This song reminds me of something you would expect to have a female artist singing it. It is definitely a changed NFG you are hearing in this song. Its good though. It has a lurvely chorus though.
11) At Least I'm Known For Something: Heavy NFG song that wouldn't sound too out of place on Sticks and Stones. Catchy.
12) I'd Kill To Fall Asleep: This song starts with a very powerful chord and riff intro. Classic NFG though.
13) No News Is Good News: This song represents how NFG have changed there lyrical styles at they talk of political and globalisation problems to the masses. Good song.
14) Radio Adelaide (Bonus Track): Two things - Classic NFG.
15) Constant Static (Bonus Track): Starts like any old NFG song. Sounds like any NFG song. Rocks like any NFG song.
16) Who Am I: I love the start of this song. Then the good ol' NFG chords kick in and we get going. Good song.

Enhanced Features: This CD includes some footage of NFG shooting the video for "All Downhill From Here". Gives a good insight into the band.

OVERALL: This CD is very good and I urge you to buy it.

The music is technically more advanced and the sound is harder, which I think is a change in the right direction. You might have mistaken them for a different band listening to some of the introductions on some tracks, but as soon as Jordan's vocals come through you can be assured it's NFG.
The songs have a bit more variety in them in this album, with parts taken from their previous albums especially tracks such as Truth of my youth, with fast drumming and pop punk riffs all over the place. Whilst tracks like; Over the head and Below the knees are a definite change in music, slower more hardcore guitar chords. I don't Wanna Know and Ending in tragedy are two slower softer songs, which I feel NFG haven't really experimented with deeply enough before but both are mature, emotional songs and give the band a fuller repertoire.

At the moment I adore this album, it may just be new music syndrome; where it sits in my Hi-Fi for weeks on end. My first impressions, however are this album is a fuller more complete album than the last and I just hope they keep going. Cheers lads.