My Poor Brain

I just picked up the new EP by New Found Glory called “Tip Of The Iceberg”. It has been released on Bridge Nine Records. I actually BOUGHT this CD because I actually like to support bands (and labels that actually help bands).

I have to say though, I am only half satisfied with my purchase. The other half? International Superheroes of Hardcore. A side project with the same members. The difference being NFG guitarist Chad Gilbert gets to scream in every song. My least favorite part of the NFG records is Chad’s screaming.

I do have respect for the way “Tip Of The Iceberg” was released though. They didn’t put the hardcore side-project on the same disc as the NFG songs, and instead made it a double-disc EP. They weren’t double dipping on this one and it was a decent buy at 12 bucks for a double-EP.

The NFG songs on “Tip Of the Iceberg” are not the best they have done, but again, I think it’s a mere celebration of doing whatever they want. In an interview with absolutepunk.net Chad Gilbert said:

Were gonna write and record our entire album and then go to a label and have them put it out. Were doing it the other way around just because it’s nice to be in control. A lot of band will have a record label give them money and they record an album because they are obligated to be on that label but were gonna do it the opposite way.

I know they have already finished recording the next album, and I am really looking forward to it for two reasons: 1. They didn’t have the pressures of a major label on them. and 2. Mark fucking Hoppus produced the album.

Mark Hoppus, in an interview with pickRset:

the new found glory record we just finished recording. this is a band i’ve been a fan of and friends with for a long time. then for past couple of years, as a listener, it seemed like they were kind of adrift. not that the songs were weak, but maybe just that they lacked focus. i can’t really explain it. and then a few months ago i get a call from chad about working on their new record. we met up at the studio and he brought an ipod with a bunch of very rough demos. from the minute he walked in the door you could tell that this was a new band altogether. they had gotten out of their deal with their former label and had a whole new enthusiasm for their music. the tracks were still new found glory, but with a new edge and intensity to them. these guys wanted to come out swinging. so we went in and tracked what i think is the hardest-hitting nfg record to date. we worked really hard to get great, gritty guitars, big drums, edgy bass, and jordan is singing stronger than he ever has. now keep in mind that nfg has recorded a bunch of albums already. this is by no means their first bbq. so it was fun recording an album with a bunch of guys who had a definite sound in mind that they wanted to achieve, but also wanted input and guidance from someone they trusted. it was more of a collaboration, albeit a contentious one at times. usually when we are tracking a band, there are one or two members with definite opinions about what should and should not happen. in nfg, four of the five members hold fast in their opinions, and when it comes to voicing their views about what they do or don’t like, there are no holds barred. throw in me with my thoughts and chris holmes with his, and it made for more than a few heated moments in the control room. but it totally worked. in those short moments of disagreement and raised voices, the songs really came together, and i think it shows through in the music. it’s a great album. when we got the mix of the first track, all of us were floored. seriously. i can’t wait for people to hear this record.

So yeah, I’m pumped.