Not Without a Fight

When pop punk and emo first hit commercial radio at the turn of the 21st century, Florida's cheerful, melodic New Found Glory were one of the acts that benefited most immediately--hardcore enough to be cool, but fresh-faced and hummable enough for teens. No longer on a major label and faced with a crowd of new kids with designer haircuts to compete with, the band has re-grouped on punk stalwart label Epitaph and is making a few concessions to maturity. While the songs are still by and large about romances gone awry (or simply going nowhere at all), they're delivered with a more knowing slant and sound. Singer Jordan Pundik isn't nearly as twee as on previous recordings, and the band's sturdy hardcore-lite sound is a welcome traditionalist throwback. In fact, there's still plenty in songs like "Listen to Your Friends" to churn up a pit.