Forever and Ever x Infinity＜Neon Yellow Vinyl＞

With over 20 years of pop-punk power under their belts, scene stalwarts New Found Glory kicked off another decade in their careers with their tenth studio album, Forever and Ever X Infinity, charting an introspective yet witty journey through the trials of love as only the Florida band could. Produced by Steve Evetts -- the man at the helm of some of the bands most beloved albums by Saves the Day and Lifetime -- the set pumps out the nostalgia on 15 tracks that will be familiar (and welcome) to longtime fans. Unlike its predecessor, 2017s Makes Me Sick, Forever is a slight sonic return to form that forgoes the synths and bright island vibe of that last album, favoring muscular riffs, breakneck drums, and a familiar pogo bounce. Despite that energetic spirit, the band inserts bittersweet and wry lyrics into each song, charting the highs and lows of love from the initial rush (Shook by Your Shaved Head) to the bitter end (Slipping Away). As Double Chin for the Win bounces along peppy percussion and rollicking guitars, frontman Jordan Pundik delivers witty lines like Youre the catch and Im the one you throw back in to a girl who he thinks is way out of his league, pleading with her, Dont throw me back in! New love is further explored on Stay Awhile and the humorous Same Side Sitters, just as things turn sour on Like I Never Existed. Desperate moves are made to salvage the relationship, whether through lackluster gestures (the plaintive More and More) or last-ditch efforts (Do You Want to Settle Down?). Naysaying friends are called out (Nothing to Say and Himalaya) and efforts are made to boost feelings of self-worth (The Way You Deserve). Through it all, Chad Gilberts guitar chugs along and bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Cyrus Bolooki maintain each songs heartbeat, a jarring juxtaposition that finds the body responding enthusiastically with each bounce and bop as the heart breaks a little more each time Pundik delivers another petition. For lyrical content alone, Forever and Ever X Infinity is one of New Found Glorys most rewarding and relatable efforts; however, boosted by the loud and urgent instrumentation, its transformed into one of the better albums in their late-era catalog. ~ Neil Z. Yeung