After a six-year gap between studio albums, pop-punk veterans New Found Glory have returned with Listen Up!, their 11th full-length release. Arriving on February 20 via Pure Noise Records, the 10-track album marks a new chapter for the band, formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997, as they approach their 30th anniversary. The release is particularly poignant, arriving as guitarist Chad Gilbert continues his battle with aggressive metastatic cancer.
For vocalist Jordan Pundik, Gilbert, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, Listen Up! represents a conscious effort to focus on gratitude and resilience. Gilbert explained the album’s intent, stating, “We wanted to make something that really focused on how lucky we are.” This sentiment permeates the record, offering a hopeful outlook shaped by personal challenges and a long history of shared experience.
A Return to Form and a Renewed Creative Energy
The album builds upon the introspective tone of the band’s 2023 acoustic EP, Make the Most of It, while simultaneously returning to the energetic, riff-driven sound that defined New Found Glory’s early success. Tracks like “Boom Roasted” and “Frankenstein’s Monster,” which bookend the album, showcase this blend of vulnerability and high-octane pop-punk. Previously released singles “Beer and Blood Stains,” “Treat Yourself,” and “Laugh It Off” also feature on the record, alongside the newly released track, “A Love Song.”
The creative process for Listen Up! saw Bolooki and Grushka traveling to Gilbert’s home in Nashville to collaborate, fostering a “riff-first mentality” reminiscent of the band’s earlier work. According to Bolooki, this approach resulted in a musical “return to form,” echoing the energy of iconic songs like “My Friends Over You” and “All Downhill From Here.”
Navigating Personal Challenges and a Legacy of Pop-Punk
The release of Listen Up! arrives at a particularly challenging time for the band, as guitarist Chad Gilbert continues to navigate his cancer battle. The album’s lyrics reflect this reality, grappling with themes of resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity. The song “Beer and Blood Stains” encapsulates this sentiment, with the lyric “It’s good to be alive” serving as a powerful reminder of the band’s enduring spirit.
New Found Glory’s longevity in the pop-punk scene is a testament to their ability to connect with audiences across generations. Formed in 1997, the band rose to prominence in the early 2000s with albums like 2000’s New Found Glory, 2002’s Sticks and Stones, and 2004’s Catalyst, becoming a defining force in the genre. Their music continues to resonate with fans traditional and new, solidifying their status as pop-punk mainstays.
Extensive Touring Plans and Festival Appearances
Following the release of Listen Up!, New Found Glory will embark on an extensive tour schedule. They will join Yellowcard and Plain White T’s on the Up Up Down Down Tour, a 27-date spring outing kicking off May 6 in Atlanta and concluding June 20 in Springfield, Massachusetts, with stops in cities including Chicago, Denver, Nashville, and New York.
The band’s touring plans extend internationally, with a performance scheduled at Hammersonic 2026 in Indonesia on May 3. They are also slated to appear at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio (May 14–17) and multiple dates on the returning Vans Warped Tour, including shows in Washington, D.C., Mexico City, and Orlando.
New Found Glory’s continued commitment to touring and connecting with fans underscores their enduring passion for music and their dedication to the pop-punk community. As they navigate personal challenges and celebrate three decades as a band, Listen Up! serves as a powerful reminder of their resilience, gratitude, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
Fans can uncover the latest tour dates and information on New Found Glory’s official website, newfoundglory.com. The band’s ongoing journey promises continued music and connection with their devoted fanbase.
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