GET TO KNOW: Neck Deep
- Laura Davies
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
For anyone looking to explore the modern era of pop-punk, NECK DEEP is one of the first bands worth adding to your playlist. Hailing from the city of Wrexham in Wales, this five-piece group has become one of the iconic names in the genre over the past decade to become something of British Pop Punk royalty. The band’s iconic sound blends energetic guitar riffs, emotionally honest raw lyrics, and infectious melodies into tracks that appeal to both longtime pop-punk fans and a new generation of listeners.
Formed in 2012, NECK DEEP vocalist Ben Barlow collaborated with guitarist Lloyd Roberts and began writing songs together, sharing them online. What started as a side project quickly evolved, gained momentum, and became something altogether bigger thanks to the folk on the internet jumping on their first track What Did You Expect. These early songs garnered attention from fans around the world and a fan base started building almost instantaneously and hasn’t stopped growing since.
2012 and 2013 quickly brought upon the EP’s Rain In July and A History Of Bad Decisions on the label We Are Triumphant. A whirlwind of support slots, trips to America, and releasing the latter album as a “pay what you can” scheme resulted in the band landing in the laps of Hopeless Records. What came from here is a trajectory that only pointed up.
Their debut album, Wishful Thinking was released in 2014 and introduced listeners to a youthful, fast-paced sound inspired by classic pop-punk acts like KNUCKLE PUCK and STATE CHAMPS whilst showcasing the band's own core identity. Tracks such as Growing Pains and Losing Teeth highlighted their knack for writing unforgettable hooks alongside lyrics that explored themes of friendship, loss, and growing up in a small town.
The band's true breakthrough came with their second album in 2015. Life's Not Out to Get You is widely regarded as one of the defining pop-punk records of the 2010s and an album that truly helped reignite the genre altogether. Packed with iconic fan favourites like Can't Kick Up the Roots, Gold Steps, and the fan dubbed “pop punk sad song” December, the album balanced hope with self reflection. The uplifting message woven throughout the album encouraged listeners to embrace challenges rather than be consumed by them, helping it resonate far beyond the stereotypical audience to hit mainstream charts. 2015 also brought change to the band with line up shifts to allow Sam Bowden to step into the role of lead guitarist following Roberts departure.
Rather than doing a copy and paste album, NECK DEEP continued to evolve their sound. Their third album The Peace and the Panic hit the shelves in 2017 and tackled even more themes of grief, anxiety, and uncertainty whilst maintaining their energetic sound. Songs like In Bloom displayed a more mature approach to songwriting whilst Motion Sickness takes listeners right back to the core of their pop punk sound.
2020 took a curveball with the release of All Distortions Are Intentional, a concept album that marked another striking creative shift. An album that divided opinion among fans, many praised the band's creativity to experiment with storytelling and a more polished style. The project showed that NECK DEEP were not just content to stand still creatively, they wanted to push themselves to create something more. Lineup changes again left the drummer being replaced by Matt Powles and bassist Seb Barlow stepping into the band. Taking a drastic step into DIY, the band broke away from Hopeless Records to form their own label alongside their former one TB Records.
Their self-titled album, Neck Deep was released in 2024 and saw the band reconnect with the fast, punchy style that first shot them to recognition. Combining high-energy anthems with thoughtful lyrics, the record showed audiences how the group has matured while remaining true to the spirit of pop-punk. Songs such as the otherworldly Take Me With You and anthemic Dumbstruck Dumbfuck allowed the band to showcase all the best things that had learnt over the years to channel them into a record that will stand the test of time. It served as both a celebration of their journey and a confident statement about where they are today.
One of NECK DEEP’s greatest attributes is their ability to write songs that feel relatable and comforting. Whether they are discussing mental health, relationships, self-doubt, or finding a positive during difficult times, their lyrics often mirror experiences that listeners can resonate with. Combined with outstanding live performances and a true connection with their fanbase, the band has built a reputation as one of the bands keeping the pop punk genre alive.
After more than a decade since forming, NECK DEEP continues to prove that pop-punk has never left; it just needed the right band to reignite it. By honouring the genre's roots while embracing growth, they have earned their place among its modern-day leaders. Whether you're discovering them for the first time or revisiting an old favourite, NECK DEEP offers a soundtrack of your youth, hopes, and futures, with the kind of songs that stay with you long after the final chorus. At 2000Trees, they headline the Saturday.
Words: Laura Davies
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