A comeback of sorts

After achieving mainstream success with 2002’s “Sticks and Stones” and 2004’s “Catalyst” and driving the pop-punk revolution, New Found Glory created a more pop-oriented sound for 2006’s “Coming Home,” which angered longtime fans but enchanted critics with its maturity.

Now the elder statesmen of a scene obsessed with neon, the band has returned to its roots, making “Not Without a Fight” their best pop-punk release since the band’s 2000 debut.

However, it’s still not “Coming Home.”

Driven by pop-punk melodies and enthusiasm, “Fight” tries to combine the maturity of “Coming Home” with the attitude of previous releases. Note the word “tries.”

Lead single “Listen To Your Friends” could have fit perfectly alongside their biggest hit “My Friends Over You.” The track is filled with energy, and vocalist Jordan Pundik’s improved, rapid delivery make it a fun summer anthem.

“47” and “Truck Stop Blues” display the heavier avenues the band can pursue.  
“47” also includes great chugging guitars, rough background vocals and a simple, repetitive chorus, while “Blues” races through the verses with ease until the typical breakdowns hit.

“Tangled Up” signals the record’s midpoint, and is also where the album gets slightly static. “Up” is the probably the only track that could have fit on “Coming Home,” and though it’s great to see the members of New Found Glory be themselves, it’s disappointing they didn’t take any more risks like they did on “Home.”

The latter half is solid and better than most bands with a similar sound, but aside from the fantastic “Heartless at Best,” it feels too much like an attempt to appeal to fans they’ve lost over the years.

The New Found Glory found here might be what it should have been all along, but it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if the band gave “Coming Home” a real follow-up.