Unglued Reviews

Having wound up their previous record contract, New Found Glory have taken advantage of their newfound freedom to pair with renowned hardcore label Bridge Nine for this two-disc package. The US five-piece have always been a pop-punk group, but the band members’ background in the hardcore scene has occasionally shone through in their songs. The new partnership sees the band focus on that side of their music: the six-track Tip Of The Iceberg EP is recognisably NFG, but with a heavy edge highlighted by gang vocals – particularly on the 90-second title track – and fierce drums (Dig My Own Grave).

After three solid originals, the band pay tribute to some of the melodic hardcore bands that have influenced them, completing the EP with three great cover songs – Gorilla Biscuits’ No Reason Why, Shelter’s Here We Go and Lifetime’s Cut The Tension. These versions are all faithful to the original recordings, and actually improve Here We Go in my book; Jordan Pundik’s trademark vocals sound more passionate than Ray Cappo did on the original.

But that’s not all: the package also includes a second, 12-track disc by NFG’s alter egos, International Superheroes Of Hardcore, called Takin’ It Ova. ISOH contains the same members as NFG but features Pundik on guitar and guitarist Chad Gilbert on lead vocals. This incarnation of the band plays straight-up melodic hardcore with a ridiculous sense of humour. The music is circle-pit-worthy, but the lyrics tackle subjects like clean substitutes for profanity and the importance of wearing seat belts. While light-hearted, it’s hard to tell if Madball’s Got Our Back is actually a joke – after all, Gilbert did produce the new H20 comeback record.

It’s a short affair – the two discs combined barely come to half an hour – but it’s up there with Catalyst as one of the best things they’ve ever done.

Owen Heitmann