Pop-punk veterans, New Found Glory, revive decades old ‘Catalyst’ at The Wiltern

The Wiltern provided a stunning backdrop for New Found Glory’s Catalyst 20th anniversary show on October 16, 2024. As the sun set over LA and the neon marquee glowed, fans lined Western Avenue, sporting band tees and ready for a night of pure pop-punk nostalgia. The Florida-born outfit drew a diverse crowd, and the packed house proved that Catalyst still holds a special place in fans’ hearts.

Setting the Stage: Sincere Engineer

Chicago’s Sincere Engineer opened the night with a unique blend of Midwest punk and sharp lyrics. Led by Deanna Belos, a voice for punk rock’s DIY spirit, the band has become a staple in the Midwest scene since forming in 2016.

Their sound bridges melodic pop-punk with edgier, hard-hitting vocal stylings, giving them a distinct edge.

Belos commanded the stage with an approachable confidence, her frequent grins connecting with the growing crowd. Their set featured songs from across their three-album discography, with standout performances of “Fireplace,” “Landline,” and “Trust Me.” Although rooted in pop-punk, Belos’ raw, gritty vocals echo punk icons like Joan Jett, Brenna Red of The Last Gang, and Brody Dalle of The Distillers.

The mix of melodic instrumentation and Belos’ strong vocals resonated well in the live setting, with the crowd singing along throughout. As they wrapped up, the enthusiastic audience confirmed that Sincere Engineer is more than just an opener—they’re a band to watch in their own right. I’m excited to catch them the next time they headline locally.

The Main Event: New Found Glory

When the house lights dimmed for New Found Glory, the anticipation was palpable. The stage, adorned with decor inspired by the Catalyst album cover, filled with smoke before the band emerged to the opening riff of “All Downhill From Here.” The crowd instantly began bouncing and singing along. From the first notes, the band was in full motion, with Jordan Pundik (vocals), Chad Gilbert (guitar), and Ian Grushka (bass) doing laps around the stage, setting a relentless pace that would last all night.

Formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, New Found Glory helped define pop-punk during its peak, and Catalyst marked both a creative and commercial high. Released in 2004, the album pushed their sound forward while staying true to the genre’s core elements. The album’s production, courtesy of Neal Avron, gave them a polished sound without losing their raw energy—a balance that was flawlessly recreated at The Wiltern.

Pundik’s vocals were remarkably close to the original recordings. Gilbert’s guitar work anchored the performance, driving favorites like “Truth of My Youth” and “I Don’t Wanna Know” with precision and passion.

The sound balanced perfectly between honoring the album’s production and delivering that raw live energy.

One of the best parts of an anniversary show is hearing deep cuts that rarely make it to regular setlists. Songs like “Your Biggest Mistake,” “Doubt Full,” and “No News Is Good News” were met with enthusiasm, proving that Catalyst has aged well over two decades. The band seemed genuinely moved by the crowd’s familiarity with the album’s deeper tracks, with audience and band feeding off each other’s energy. There’s something incredible about anniversary shows and the nostalgic energy they bring.

After completing the album, the band returned for an extended encore, featuring hits from their broader catalog. The seven-song encore kicked off with their rendition of “Part of Your World” and included classics like “Understatement,” “Hit or Miss,” and “Head On Collision.” No New Found Glory show would be complete without their epic take on Disney’s Frozen classic “Let It Go”—a performance that had the entire venue singing along and proved why it’s a beloved part of their live shows. If you’ve never seen New Found Glory play this song live, it alone is worth the ticket.

The night ended with their anthem “My Friends Over You,” sending the crowd home with a reminder of why New Found Glory has stayed relevant in a genre often tied to youth.

Their ability to connect with multiple generations of fans speaks to both their songwriting and energetic live shows.

While many bands are celebrating anniversaries, New Found Glory’s Catalyst 20th anniversary show proved both the album’s lasting impact and the band’s influence on pop-punk. Their performance reinforced that while pop-punk may be experiencing a revival, its veterans can still deliver with unmatched energy and heart.

Photography by Shane Pase

Full Set List:

1. Intro
2. All Downhill From Here
3. This Disaster
4. Truth of My Youth
5. I Don’t Wanna Know
6. Your Biggest Mistake
7. Doubt Full
8. Failure’s Not Flattering
9. Over the Head, Below the Knees
10. Ending in Tragedy
11. At Least I’m Known for Something
12. I’d Kill to Fall Asleep
13. No News Is Good News
14. Who Am I

Encore:

15. Part of Your World
16. Understatement
17. Truck Stop Blues
18. Hit or Miss
19. Head On Collision
20. Let It Go
21. My Friends Over You

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