For those who doubted New Found Glory's punk rock integrity after their 2006 release "Coming Home," the band has taken their aged yet untarnished pop-punk formula and applied it to some movie soundtrack favorites.
"From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II" is, in itself, a "coming home" moment, as it christens New Found Glory's return to Drive-Thru Records, the label that distributed the first "From the Screen to Your Stereo."
Not only does the new release feature eleven covers from movies like "Donnie Darko" (2001), "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and "The Breakfast Club" (1985), among others, but also contains spectacular guest appearances from some of the most recognizable and acclaimed voices in punk rock today.
The production and quality of the album demonstrates an astronomical improvement from the first "FTSTYS." The band makes use of more supporting vocals, different guitar tones and synthesizers to convey a specific sound in each song.
The tracks do not run together and each has a very different feel; the professional quality keeps the songs from losing their identity. Fans can really appreciate all the understated tandem guitar riffs, vocal harmonies and voices from the likes of Max Bemis of Say Anything and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
Although the majority of punk covers are tainted by monotonous palm-muted guitar and overzealous drumming, New Found Glory taps into their ingenuity for this album.
"The King of Wishful Thinking," a standout track, is almost completely distinct from its '80s counterpart. The crisp and relentless distorted guitars are a true innovation from the heavy synth and electronic drum beats of the original.
Many will remember Six Pence None the Richer as the band playing in the background as Rachel Leigh Cook donned a radiant red dress before stumbling down a flight of stairs and eventually into the arms of Freddie Prinze, Jr. in the 1999 teen flick "She's All That."
NFG opens the album with Sixpence's "Kiss Me" and discredits the skeptics who have claimed they have lost the fun, youthful passion in their sound. A solid balance of light and heavy distortion along with Cyrus Bolooki's strategic placement of hits and fills give the song an authentic NFG trademark without diluting a classic.
On the other hand, New Found Glory got too cute while walking the tightrope between genres. There are not many who can successfully pull off a Bob Dylan or a Johnny Cash cover, and unfortunately, New Found Glory tried to do both. Their rendition of "It Ain't Me Babe" from "Walk the Line" (2005) lacks direction and assertiveness. They smother the country flavor unnecessarily with flat line vocals and distorted guitars, and in turn, the song is also restrained from heading in the punk direction.
Despite lead singer Jordan Pundik's vocals sounding weak in songs like The Cardigan's "Love Fool" from 1996's "Romeo + Juliet," several subtle but effective guest appearances compensate for his inaccuracies. Adam Lazzara's (Taking Back Sunday) edgy, wooing vocal style fits perfectly in the second verse of the song. Chris Carrabba's brief background vocals in "The Promise" lend a soft, endearing sentimentality to the song's mood.
Maybe the most striking appearance is that of Will Pugh (Cartel) on the cover of the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" from "City of Angels" (1998). Pugh takes on the verse by himself in a song that requires a versatile range, while both he and Pundik sing together and harmonize during the chorus. The pair releases an emotionally epic essence from the song that brings chills to the listener.
On the other hand, it is "Stay (I Missed You)" from 1994's "Reality Bites" that most obviously recalls its beginnings. Lisa Loeb herself polishes the track along with a particularly strong performance from Pundik. It's a song anyone can blast during a summer road trip with the windows cranked down and head bobbing in a careless sing-a-long.
The instrumental from "Amelie" (2001) is by far the most intricate and astounding track musically. A surprising choice for a cover, it emerges as a powerful track because of the accuracy and synch of the rhythm section. It's the perfect song to open a live show.
"From Your Screen to Your Stereo Part II" is not by any means a perfect album. The song selections seem a bit too arbitrary, and there is an overabundance of songs clearly intended to create an '80s caricature.
The album is a chance to hear some oldies but goodies in a very new and unprecedented fashion. New Found Glory has put forth a valiant effort to musically reinvent the songs while capturing the genuine heart of the original music. It is worth buying the album, if only to hear the voices of some of punk rock's most legendary voices in different setting.
