Review
Get ready for a wild ride with Neck Deep’s latest self-titled and fifth studio album, dropping on January 19 via Hopeless Records! The Uk-rock band is cranking it up to eleven, taking us back to their roots with a sound that’s pure Neck Deep awesomeness.
Frontman Ben Barlow spills the beans, declaring the album as “unapologetically us”. That means you’re in for a treat – a rollercoaster of bouncing bombast in ‘Dumbstruck, Dumbf**k’, ripping intensity with ‘Sort Yourself Out’, and some poetic introspection in ‘They May Not Mean To (But They Do)’. And hold on to your hats, because the single ‘Take Me With You’, they’re tackling the impending alien invasion. Who knew Neck Deep had a plan for that? Let’s talk some more about the album.
Barlow discusses in an interview the band’s venture into more political territory with the track ‘We Need More Bricks’, highlighting his focus on the global landscape and the challenges faced in one’s late twenties. Despite the turbulent times, the album seeks to convey a positive message, drawing parallels with their acclaimed album Life’s Not Out To Get You. Barlow emphasized that these similarities arise naturally from the band’s current experiences and emotions, offering a blend of life lessons and newfound knowledge. A notable track that stands out in its potential resonance with fans is ‘They May Not Mean To (But They Do)’. The inspiration behind the title, drawn from a poem by Philip Larking, reflects on the influence of parents on one’s life. The song explores the imperfections and impact of parents, a theme made even more profound for Barlow following the loss of his father in 2016.
These Welsh lads have come a long way since their scrappy beginnings in a spare room in Wrexham. Top 5 records in both the US and UK, global touring, viral hits, and over a billion streams – it’s been a decade of rocking success and they are here to stay.
For this record, they’re taking “doing their own thing” to the next level. No fancy collaborators or producers here – just the Barlow brothers, Matt West, Sam Bowden, and Matt Powles, writing and recording in their own warehouse space in North Wales. It’s about having a blast and enjoying every second of crafting these tracks.
No matter how big they get, they’re still the same Neck Deep we fell in love with. This self-titles album encapsulates the band’s growth, emotional depth, and the unwavering connection they’ve established with their audience.