Welsh pop-punk quintet Neck Deep is back with their highly anticipated self-titled fifth studio album, out now via Hopeless Records. The new project delivers a sonic journey that proves that the current pop-punk resurgence isn’t a fluke and still has so much juice left in it. That sound isn’t going away anytime soon, folks. Released following a lineup change for Neck Deep (Matt Powles is on drums now), it was important that the band stuck the landing on their new album and it’s safe to say that they did, both musically and lyrically.
The album gets off to a high-energy start with opening track “Dumbstruck Dumbfuck;” try saying that five times fast. The driving guitars and infectious hooks pull listeners in right away and sets the tone for what to expect from the rest of the record. Throughout the album, the band channels their trademark energy through tried-and-true pop-punk melodies, resulting in a sound that feels both modern and nostalgic in the best possible ways.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “They Don’t Mean To (But They Do)” showcases Neck Deep’s ability to craft poetic and introspective lyrics that pierce through the band’s sunny energetic output. Relatable and confessional without veering into lighters-in-the-air realms of cheese, the lyrics are delivered with a sincerity that elevates it beyond typical pop-punk fare. Frontman Ben Barlow’s emotive vocals add an extra layer of depth to the lyrics, making “They Don’t Mean To (But They Do)” a relatable pop-punk anthem sure to endure a new generation of listeners to the Welsh band.
The pair of tracks that close out the album, “It Won’t Be Like This Forever” and “Moody Weirdo,” further highlight the band’s depth. The former is a heartfelt near-tearjerker that highlights the band’s ability to hit listeners while maintaining emotional intensity, building up a lover who is dealing with loneliness. Meanwhile, the latter track sees vocalist Ben reassuring his inner child and fighting off self-sabotage. These moments of raw introspection help keep the listener engaged from start to finish and show that there’s something real underneath the band’s signature catchy sound.
The production on Neck Deep’s self-titled album is top-notch, with duties handled by the band’s bassist Seb Barlow. The stellar guitar work, crashing drums, and beefy basslines create a driving sonic backdrop for Ben Barlow’s vocals. The well-thought-out production enhances the overall listening experience and lends a sense of gravitas to the band’s sound without ever sounding overly serious. Neck Deep still wants to make you party but there’s a no fucks given confidence that comes through on the album, making it clear that they are now elder statesmen in the game.
On this new effort, Neck Deep successfully toes the fine line between staying true to their roots and swinging for the fences, resulting in a collection of songs that are both nostalgic and forward-looking. Listen, you know what to expect from a Neck Deep album. Big infectious hooks, diary-style lyrics, and a solid rush of adrenaline to get you pumped. This album delivers all of that, pumps up the volume, and solidifies the veteran band’s standings in the pop-punk landscape. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, the band’s new self-titled fifth-studio album is a great listen and proves that the pop-punk sound is here to stay.
