Pop Punk band New Found Glory announced that they would be heading out across North America in 2015 in support of their latest album, Resurrection, released October 7, 2014. Along for the ride on the twenty-five date itinerary for the “Sleep When I Die Tour” are Hardcore Punkers Turnstile, acoustic Pop duo This Wild Life, and Indie Rock band Turnover. Originally from Coral Springs, Florida, New Found Glory (formerly A New Found Glory) was formed in 1997 having built built up quite a resume in their eighteen year run, with eight studio albums, one live album, two EPs and three cover albums. In fact, they have been dubbed as one of the pioneers of the re-emergence of Pop Punk in the ’90s alongside Blink-182. Two weeks after the tour’s kickoff, the four bands rolled into The Paramount on Sunday, March 29th for their lone New York date. Marking this as their second trip to The Paramount, their first back in 2013 as co-headliners with Alkaline Trio, a certain feeling of anticipation was certainly in the air. Having a reputation for a wired stage performance, their fan base on Long Island was excited to see what the band had in store. After one of the most snow filled Marches on record for Long Island, going to this exciting show was certainly a reprieve for all who came out.
As the fans packed in were buzzing with excitement, Virginia Beach, Virginia’s Turnover was ready to begin. Consisting of vocalist Austin Getz, drummer Casey Getz, bassist Danny Dempsey, and guitarist Eric Soucy, Turnover is signed to the Indie label Run For Cover Records. Set to release a new album titled Peripheral Vision on May 4th, the band made the most of their opening slot as Getz graciously thanked everyone for coming out early. Providing a sound that was ambient and emotional, Turnover played “Most Of The Time” and their latest single “Cutting My Fingers Off.” Their heartfelt lyrics and stadium size rhythms filled the room wall to wall, having everyone’s undivided attention. In between songs, Turnover kept the mood light, the audience smiling, and never left a dull moment. Their sound clearly shows an influence from ’90s Grunge mixed with their emotional, melodic textures, making them a great start for this diverse Sunday evening. Those who missed them on this tour can see them return to Long Island on May 28th when they visit The Amityville Music Hall with Fireworks.
Next on the agenda was the Pop Punk duo known as This Wild Life. Hailing from Long Beach, California, This Wild Life was born when guitarist/vocalist Kevin Jordan and drummer Anthony Del Grosso, formerly of The Messenger, decided to continue on with a new project. Now an all acoustic act, This Wild Life brought the show to a new level of energy when they began their set with the track “History.” Since only two musicians occupy this band, they filled up the empty stage behind them with the band’s logo and artwork, but most of all, filled the air with a lavish sound. Playing on with more songs off of their 2014 Epitaph Records album Clouded, such as “Over It” and “Roots And Branches (Meant To Be Alone),” the duo had the audience bopping their heads and tapping their feet. Combining to create a dynamic force, Jordan and Del Grosso sounded sensational as fans sang along with songs like “Puppy Love” as well as “Sleep Walking.” Bringing their set to a climax, Del Grosso took to a small drum set hidden behind the middle stage banner and jammed out with Jordan for the hit “Concrete,” which was greeted by a sea of cheers. They are now set to head over to the UK in May with As It Is before returning to the States for the Vans Warped Tour this summer.
Recently releasing their debut album, Nonstop Feeling, on January 13th, Baltimore, Maryland’s Turnstile were amped up and ready to go. A part of Reaper Records, this Punk/Hardcore act has been making a splash over the past few years with their intense, live shows. Consisting of Brendan Yates on vocals, Franz “Freaky Franz” Lyons on bass, Daniel “D-Fang” Fang on drums, and Sean Coo as well as Brady “B-rady” Ebert on guitars, they opened up a pit early on in the night that did not quit until the last song was sung. Stalking up to the crowd like a swift jolt to the cranium, a shirtless Yates took the microphone like a man on a mission. Rampaging an onslaught of powerful Punk riffs with attitude were followed swiftly with songs like “Keep it Moving,” “Death Grip, and “Gravity.” Showing sincere pride in their performance, Turnstile reminded the audience that Hardcore Punk is about supporting one another. All in all, their set caught fire from the very second they took the stage and continued to burn even after they walked off. Be sure to check them out on 2015’s New England Metal & Hardcore Festival on Saturday, April 18th.
Following a brief intermission, the crowd knew what was coming next, and that was New Found Glory. As the stage went black, an eerie video of a woman singing began to play, followed quickly by vocalist Jordan Pundlik, guitarist Chad Gilbert, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki erupting with 2002 track “Understatement.” Coming out of the gate swinging for the fences, the band followed the high energy classic with a mix of new and old songs such as “Selfless,” “Resurrection,” “Hit Or Miss,” “Something I Call Personality, ” and “Vegas.” Hands were clapping during the bridges while fans sang along to the lyrics, swung their hands, rushed through the mosh pits, and had a great time. Sustaining a injury to his right foot earlier in the tour, Pundik’s cast did not prevent him from rocking with enthusiasm and inspiration all set long. Gilbert asked for a round of applause for the injured yet still performing vocalist, which fans were quick to give.
Moving into their Pop Goes Punk (2008) cover/rewrite of Go West’s “King Of Wishful Thinking” was a perfect mid-set break before piledriving the audience with favorites that included “The Worst Person,” “One More Round,” and “Ready And Willing.” As the crowd reveled in one adrenaline packed hit after another, smiles were contagious throughout The Paramount and had some saying it was one of the best performances they had ever witnessed by the band. Rounding off the show and keeping up with crowd pleasers, “Failure’s Not Flattering,” “Dressed To Kill,” and “My Friends Come Over” ware greeted with cheers for more. Answering the call, New Found Glory recollected for an encore that could only be described as sensational as “Ballad For The Lost Romantics” and “The Story So Far” led into a killer rendition of “All Downhill From Here.”
There is something to be said about a these Pop Punk icons who can still influence generations young and old. A mixed age crowd found common ground singing along to New Found Glory’s lyrics, showing that they are respected by the new breed of Punk youth and the older guard of the scene from yesteryear. Overall, it can be argued that New Found Glory is still one of the best Pop Punk bands to roam the earth, so be sure to check them out before the tour is over April 12th.
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