When New Found Glory out drew the headlining band slot on a previous Warped tour, it proved that they had a good thing going. The formula was an energetic stage show, easy to sing lyrics, and the ability to identify with the teenage punk subculture. New Found Glory is certainly not the first band to do that, but their niche is not really standing out at all. It comes in being able to create a simple, easy to identify with batch of songs that translate well on stage.

According to songwriter Steve Klein, the self-titled project is “Just about relationships and growing up—things everybody knows about. This is a record about looking forward to new things and moving forward in your life.” It’s obvious New Found Glory appeals to a young fan base with their constant reference to breaking up with their girlfriends and going through various life transitions.

The band’s sound runs the gamut of many of the popular punk bands of today—MXPX, Blink 182 and SR-71. In addition, they incorporate the emo sounds of punk rockers like The Get Up Kids and At the Drive In. Songs like “Better Off Me”, “Hit or Miss”, “Eyesore” fall into the first category, while the latter influences are shown on “Dressed to Kill” and “Sincerely Me”.

Particularly entertaining is “Ballad for the Lost Romantic”, which seems to poke fun at the mushy songs young couples listen to when in love. “Boy Crazy” follows the same pattern, pointing to the stereotypical way teenage girls are always falling for different guys.

The band has enthusiasm and their lighthearted and fun lyrics are absent of any grave offenses. Parents will especially appreciate a punk band without a parental warning sticker on the cover of their CD. The only way to tell if they’ll last in the national punk scene is to wait and see if they can live up to their major label’s expectations.