New Found Glory's 2000 self-titled second album catapulted the Coral Springs quartet to national stardom. Released before emo had become a dirty word, the disc boasted a boisterous but sensitive pop-punk mood that was reflected on its cover. A collage of faded photos included images of not only videogames and roller skates but also condoms, perfectly encapsulating the record's lyrical and sonic dance between teenage romantic naiveté and adulthood. The single "Hit or Miss," a plaintive but bouncy tale of waiting by a never-ringing phone, reached the Billboard Modern Rock charts. And the album eventually went gold.
Since then, the band's star has only risen and has burned so long that it has now entered the pantheon of millennial new-school punk legends. To celebrate the record's tenth anniversary, the group has launched an extensive national tour and released a reissue with bonus tracks.
In the spirit of their scene's camaraderie, New Found Glory's bandmates have brought along longtime pals as tour support. The biggest name among them is Saves the Day, helmed by the only remaining original member and main creative force, Chris Conley. Boasting some 15 years of performing, the 29-year-old possesses a musical self-evisceration that remains compelling and honest rather than corny. After all, he helped create the template for the host of lesser imitators that later clogged up the Warped Tour merch tables.
