Here’s a little collection of some records we’ve been listening to the last few weeks.
New Found Glory "Listen Up!"
Listen Up! is the 11th full length studio album from Florida pop-punk pioneers New Found Glory– and it’s a blast. Packed with classic NFG hooks, riffs, chugs, and plenty of sing-along moments, the record somehow still feels just as fresh and energetic as their earlier material. I’m already looking forward to blasting this in the car with the windows down all summer. I haven't missed a New Found Glory show in years… I’m excited to catch them on their upcoming tour with Yellowcard. Get well soon Chad!
Real Friends "Blue Hour"
I've been a causal fan of Real Friends for a little bit now. Their 2018 album Compromise is where I first took my notice- mainly due to the singer. He had a cool and unique voice in a sea of carbon copy high pitched winers. When I found out said singer was leaving, I assumed that was curtains for Real Friends and promptly tuned out.
Then last week I randomly heard a song in the wild that caught my ear. Color me surprised to find out it was Real Friends with their new singer. I got in my car and tossed on their most recent album, 2024's Blue Hour. I don't want to be dramatic but it kind of blew me away. Just super solid pop-punk from a group of guys who chose to carry on where most bands would throw in the towel. The track "Never Became Always" is currently my #1 listened to song on Spotify for the month of March. If you were (foolishly) like me and bailed on this band, rethink it.
Anxious "Bambi"
One of my best friends has loved Anxious since day one. I didn't hate it, I just wasn't really into it. He dragged me to see them when this album came out. Unhappily, I joined. The minute these guys hit the stage my opinion changed. I was sucked in. They were truly so good. I grabbed the record on my way out. Bambi became my top album of 2025. I wore it down. It's recently re-entered my orbit and for the last few weeks it's been in constant rotation. If you missed it last year, absolutely check it out- and definitely try and catch them live.