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Neck Deep

Neck Deep

Written by: PP on 21/02/2024 23:47:14

Well, I certainly didn't expect this good of an album after the mediocrity that was "All Distortions Are Intentional" four years ago. Back then, Neck Deep abandoned their pop punk roots in favour of a more arena-ready pop-rock sound that sounded like mainstream radio rock drivel. On their self-titled fifth album, all that has essentially been thrown out the window, replaced by high-energy pop punk rhythms for what could potentially be their best release yet. Or at least one that competes with "Life's Not Out To Get You".

This welcome change means Neck Deep once again is heavily indebted to New Found Glory for their sound, only in a more angsty and emo fashion. That's not a bad thing, per se. The music may be sugarcoated, but it is infectiously catchy. It's summery and bouncy but full of cheerful melodies and spirited choruses. Songs like "We Need More Bricks" are irresistible, while the incredible energy and upbeat sound on tracks like "Dumbstruck Dumbfuck" is stuff that immediately catches your attention.

It sounds like Neck Deep feels liberated for a chance to reset back to being who they are: a fast-paced, catchy pop punk band that excels in the simple confines of the genre, nothing more, nothing less. It's a revitalized and rejuvenated version of their sound, one that doesn't necessarily reinvent the wheel for pop punk, but nor does it have to. It's enjoyable and catchy in its own right.

Not every band needs to evolve and become something else (I mean, just look at New Found Glory), and having to backtrack to what makes you good doesn't make you a failure. Quite the contrary: you've understood who your fan base is and, in the process, deliver exactly the record they wanted to hear. Ten songs across thirty minutes and some change of excellent pop punk that sounds fresh despite not offering any innovation. Just the way I like it.

Download: Dumbstruck Dumbfuck, We Need More Bricks, Sort Yourself Out
For the fans of: New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, Fireworks, Punchline, State Champs, Veara, All Time Low
Listen: Facebook

Release date 19.01.2024
Hopeless Records