Neck Deep’s new self-titled album offers a welcome return to the raw and passionate music that made them one of the most beloved pop-punk bands of the 2010s.
Their 2020 All Distortions Are Intentional was an experimental yet uninspired record. The album was a foray into a smoother and more melodic sound. Still, the band has taken lessons from its disappointing reception, and the result of much self-discovery is a well-crafted and nostalgic collection of songs.
Neck Deep kicks off with “Dumbstruck Dumbf**ck,” a high-energy piece about love, heartbreak, and self-doubt. It’s followed up by “Sort Yourself Out” and “This Is All My Fault,” two more pieces with powerful choruses and in-your-face instrumentals. The only drawback of the starting three is that the songs risk blending into an indiscernible mass of energy. However, after seven years without music like this, Ben Barlow and Co. can’t be blamed for their pent-up excitement and won’t get any criticism from hungry fans.
Next on the album are two previously-released singles, “We Need More Bricks” and “Heartbreak Of The Century.” The first is a passionate resistance anthem railing against the current political landscape and status quo. “Heartbreak Of The Century” is by far the catchiest song on the album, with upbeat instrumentals and a fun chorus that is certain to have listeners join in.
This is followed by another trio of similar songs where sounds blur together. While the other two may be the closest we get to filler, “Take Me With You” is a memorable song set apart by its unique sci-fi lyricism.
“It Won’t Be Like This Forever” is the pinnacle of this album and displays the maturity and confidence that Neck Deep has finally found. It is a song of balance; it has the smooth and modern production of All Distortions Are Intentional, which offers a welcome contrast to the rest of the record and manages not to drown out the classic Neck Deep emotion of earlier albums.
Neck Deep is capped off with “Moody Weirdo,” one of my favorite songs on here, and it feels like something that would have been put out in the previous decade. It is full of life and had me belting, “You gotta take one small step every day” for the rest of the day. Its clean, fresh sound and nostalgic combo make it the perfect end to a strong return for Neck Deep.