Neck Deep’s self-titled album produces early 2000s nostalgia while offering a new sound to the almost entirely washed-out genre.
The album marks the sixth installment in the band’s catalog, continuing Neck Deep’s turn-of-the-century garage band aesthetic. Neck Deep, along with other work from the band, seems to come from influence of early emo bands like Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, and even some pop-punk bands like Blink-182.
The album can also be enjoyed by fans of more modern bands in the same vein as Neck Deep, like State Champs, With Confidence, and Patent Pending. Generally, Neck Deep falls into the category of bands fans could expect to perform at “Sad Summer Festival.”
The track “This Is All My Fault” features lead vocalist Ben Barlow’s impressive voice, and emotions are shown through the stirring instrumentals. The self-reflective lyrics also provide a refreshing break from the whiny, classic heartbroken teenage boy, which is heavily present in the album.
The album does have some misses, however, like the track “Take Me With You,” which expresses the songwriter’s desire to be taken away by a UFO. The general theme of wanting to be isolated from society is a good starting point, but the lyrics fall short and the childish sound makes the song difficult to listen to.
Along with some faulty tracks, generally speaking, Neck Deep ends up in the shadow of some of the band’s older tracks, which featured much more emotion and creative skill, especially in regards to lyrical quality. It seems like they are running out of content.
Flaws aside, Neck Deep is a revitalizing addition to the modern emo scene, and powerfully harmonizes Barlow’s vocals and the band’s ensemble of drums, guitar, and electric bass.
