A little over a decade into their career, Neck Deep have proven yet again why they have become one of the cornerstones of the pop-punk scene with their self-titled and self-made fifth full-length album. All killer, no filler from start to finish, the band’s latest release finds them doing what they do best and doing it their way: churning out hard hitting, heartfelt, energetic and most importantly, catchy as hell bangers.
The ten-track album is the perfect length, allowing the band to flex their songwriting and producing abilities without a single down moment. Kicking off with the explosive opener, “Dumbstruck Dumbf**k”, it’s clear from the moment that the album begins that this is Neck Deep paying homage to their roots while showcasing their growth over the last twelve years. Songs like “Dumbstruck Dumbf**k” and the introspective “Sort Yourself Out” have that raw edge that first drew fans to the band, but also boast some of frontman Ben Barlow’s strongest vocals yet. Sonically, the album feels polished yet not too perfect, making sure to still capture the energy of a pop-punk band who quite literally created an album by themselves in a warehouse space mere miles from where they grew up. It’s a wonderful balance of old and new.
Lyrically, there’s a little something for everyone and a song for every occasion on the album, as well. We Need More Bricks” is an inspirational anthem, while “Heartbreak Of The Century” will find you sitting in your feels.“Take Me With You” finds the band longing for an impending alien invasion, while anthemic “They May Not Mean To (But They Do)” will heal childhood wounds in a perfect sing-along fashion before the band promises that things will eventually get better in “It Won’t Be Like This Forever”.
Adding to an already impressive catalogue from Neck Deep, the band’s self-titled release is filled with high-energy, passionate and timeless tracks that are sure to remind longtime fans why they first fell in love with the band while gaining new listeners along the way. While the landscape of pop-punk in 2024 is nothing like it used to be when Neck Deep first formed in 2012, their latest album proves yet again that they not only have staying power, but they’re still shaping the scene.