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Neck Deep
Neck Deep
from Wikipedia

Neck Deep are a Welsh pop-punk band formed in Wrexham in 2012. They released a pair of EPs, Rain in July (2012) and A History of Bad Decisions (2013), before signing with Hopeless Records in August 2013.

Key Information

Neck Deep was founded after vocalist Ben Barlow met former lead guitarist Lloyd Roberts; the pair posted a song ("What Did You Expect?") online under the name Neck Deep. The song soon gained attention online, resulting in the addition of rhythm guitarist Matt West, drummer Dani Washington/Abasi, and bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans.

After the release of their debut album Wishful Thinking in January 2014, the band became a full-time project, with the band members leaving their jobs and/or dropping out of university courses. Shortly after the release of their second album Life's Not out to Get You in August 2015, Roberts left the band due to allegations of sexual misconduct (which he was subsequently found to have no case to answer[citation needed]),[1] and Sam Bowden (formerly of Climates and Blood Youth) joined in his place. The group's third album The Peace and the Panic was released August 2017, and debuted at No. 4 on the US Billboard 200. In September 2018, Thorpe-Evans left the band to pursue a solo career as a producer. In 2019, the band embarked in a summer tour with Blink-182 as the opening act. By February 2020, the band added longtime collaborator and bassist Seb Barlow as an official member; later that month, they also revealed an app with a variety of multimedia regarding the announcement of their fourth album, titled All Distortions Are Intentional, released 24 July 2020. Their self-titled fifth album was released on 19 January 2024.

History

[edit]

Formation and EP releases (2012–2013)

[edit]

Vocalist Ben Barlow met lead guitarist Lloyd Roberts when Barlow's older brother, Seb, was recording the Wrexham hardcore band Spires in which Roberts played.[2] At the time, Ben Barlow wrote pop punk songs on his own for fun.[2] On 19 April 2012[3] the duo posted the song "What Did You Expect?" online under the name Neck Deep.[2] According to Roberts, Barlow "literally said, 'What about Neck Deep [as the band name]?' and that was that."[2] The name comes from the Crucial Dudes' song "Boom, Roasted".[4] "What Did You Expect?" soon gained attention online.[2] This resulted in the duo adding guitarist Matt West, who also played in Spires, and drummer Dani Washington, who was aware of Wrexham's local music scene.[2] Bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans joined shortly after leaving melodic hardcore band Climates from Lincoln, England.[2] "I Couldn't Wait to Leave 6 Months Ago " was posted online on 8 June.[5] On 11 June, it was announced the band had signed to U.S. label We Are Triumphant.[6] The band recorded more songs with Seb Barlow in the attic of Ben's home.[2]

The band released an EP, Rain in July, in September 2012,[7] which gained the band even more attention from people.[2] According to Barlow, "People took notice and demanded that we play shows."[2] The band supported With the Punches and Me Vs Hero in the UK in December.[8] The December 3rd date of the tour was the band's live debut.[9] At their second show the band signed with a manager.[9] The band toured the UK supporting Hacktivist in February 2013.[10] Also in February the band released the A History of Bad Decisions EP as a "pay what you want" download.[11] The band and their tour manager went on a holiday to Florida.[12] The group ended up playing two shows that were "crazy and sold out and packed", according to Thorpe-Evans.[12] Videos of the shows ended up online, which were seen by Hopeless Records.[12] Hopeless got in contact with the band's manager who put the label in contact with the band.[12] The band signed to Hopeless in August 2013.[13] Being signed to the label was "a dream come true" for the band.[14]

Wishful Thinking, Life's Not out to Get You, line-up changes (2014–2016)

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The band released their debut album, Wishful Thinking, on 14 January 2014. Up until this point, the band was a "fun, part-time [entity]", according to Barlow.[15] With the release of the album, the band became a full-time thing, according to Barlow: "Fuck it, let's do this properly".[15] The success of the album resulted in Thorpe-Evans, West and Roberts quitting their jobs, Washington turning down a place at the Academy of Contemporary Music[16] and Barlow dropping out of university.[9] After the release of Wishful Thinking, Neck Deep began 2014 with a full UK headline tour and also toured the UK as the main support for We Are the In Crowd, before a headline tour covering the US with Knuckle Puck, Light Years and Misguided by Giants.[17] The band were announced to perform on 2014 edition of Vans Warped Tour.[18] The band's two EPs were remixed and remastered as part of the compilation Rain in July / A History of Bad Decisions, released on Hopeless on 17 June.[19] It was released to capitalise on the band's popularity at the time.[20] Barlow said that this compilation would be "definitive release of [these] songs".[21] The band hoped that the new fans that enjoyed Wishful Thinking "will enjoy the chance to check these songs out now that we've had a chance to improve how they sound!"[21] The band won the Kerrang! Award for Best British Newcomer 2014, beating nominees Blitz Kids, Bury Tomorrow, Lonely the Brave, and Decade.[22] The band headlined the Intercontinental Championships Tour, along with Knuckle Puck (USA), Seaway (Canada) and Trophy Eyes (Australia), and touring the UK. The tour was set to start January 2015 and run through February.[23] In late 2014, they entered the studio with producers Andrew Wade and Jeremy McKinnon to record their second album.

On 27 April 2015 the band made a post on their Facebook page consisting of nothing more than "Can't Kick Up the Roots. 12.05.15". This post turned out to be a song and the release date of 12 May. A few days later on 4 May, the band made another Facebook post stating the name of their new album, Life's Not out to Get You. The release date of this album was 14 August. On 10 May, "Can't Kick Up the Roots" premiered on UK radio station BBC Radio 1 and was met with much praise by fans, with the band then stating that the song's music video and pre-orders for the album would be available on 12 May. The band played all dates of the 2015 edition of Vans Warped Tour. On 19 July, "Gold Steps" was premiered live on Daniel P. Carter's BBC Radio 1 rock show. The album made No.10 on Billboard's Top Album Sales list, and the band made No. 67 on the Artist 100 list.

On 22 August 2015, allegations of sexual misconduct against guitarist Lloyd Roberts were made, as well as bassist Fil-Thorpe, in which Roberts was accused of sending inappropriate photos to an underage girl. Roberts denied these allegations. The band responded that they were aware of the situation and asked for "a moment to get to the bottom of this."[24] The next day, they clarified that Roberts would be "stepping down" from his position in the band as he did not want to tarnish the band's reputation as a result of these allegations.[25] He said, "I’m now looking to put this horrendous chapter in my life behind me as I instead look forward to the future. For me, that means doing the one thing I love the most – writing and recording music."[26] On 13 October 2015, Roberts released a statement which explained that the police had cleared him of all charges, stating that they "found no case" to back up the allegations made against him. In the same statement, Roberts hinted that there are no plans for him to return to the band.[27] On 17 December 2015, Sam Bowden, of Climates[28] and Blood Youth,[29] officially joined the band as their new lead guitarist.[30]

The Peace and the Panic (2016–2018)

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On 27 June 2016, the band began writing new material for the band's third album. They began working on the album in the studio eight months after writing the band's new music on 21 February 2017. On 15 January 2017, the band's vocalist, Ben Barlow, stated that a band should always show progression in its music and they are certainly aware that is what they want to do in the band's third album. In an interview with the lead singer, Barlow explains how his father's passing influenced his motivation for writing Neck Deep's most recent album. Ben connects his father's death and the album by stating, "It's definitely opened my mind up creatively, it's gonna be a little ball of inspiration that I can kind of pick at, I guess."[31] On 5 April 2017, the band finished the album and was set to release it on 18 August of the same year. On 21 May Neck Deep released two new songs along with music videos for them. "Where Do We Go When We Go" and "Happy Judgement Day". It was also announced the band worked with Neal Avron and Mike Green on their new album. Ben Barlow was quoted saying to Alternative Press "The Peace and the Panic is about how we’ve grown up and experienced life in the last couple of years.". He also commented on two of the new tracks on the album, including the track "Happy Judgement Day" of which Barlow commented that it "... is on the panic side, and really, that song is a comment on the current social and political climate.". He also stated "Where Do We Go When We Go" is the last track on the record, and we feel it summarises our mood well. Very directly, the message is: "Fuck all this shit, fuck all the noise, let’s just make something of ourselves before our time is up."[32]

On 5 July 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina the band gained attention on the Warped Tour when the members were reportedly under police lockdown due to a fatal shooting outside the bar they were in. The bassist of the band, Fil Thorpe-Evans, tweeted, "FYI last night a few of us were in a bar police lock down because there was a fatal shooting literally outside. Had to hide behind the bar".[33] None of the band members were injured as the scene calmed down upon the arrival of the police.[citation needed]

Members of the band performed a DJ set at Emo Nite Day hosted by Emo Nite in Los Angeles in December 2017.[34] On 4 September 2018, bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans announced the departure from the band. He said that Neck Deep has been a dream coming true but he wanted to pursue his career as a producer.[35]

All Distortions Are Intentional (2019–2022)

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The band released a new single entitled 'She's a God' on 27 June 2019[36] with new bassist Joshua Halling, who was the band's touring photographer. The band spent the summer of that year touring as support for Blink-182 and Lil Wayne.[37] Wayne threatened to quit the tour due to the size of the crowds, saying "Please forgive me but I am so not used to performing to a crowd … and there’s not too many... that’s not my swag," he admitted. "I’m not sure how long I’m going to be able to do this tour, but make some noise for Blink-182 for including me anyway. This might be my last night, though. Let’s go!". Lil Wayne ended up confirming he was staying with Neck Deep and Blink-182 for the remainder of the tour, tweeting "I’m having too much fun with my bros blink-182."[38]

In February 2020, Ben's brother Seb officially joined the band as bassist, after having been involved behind the scenes since day one. He replaced Joshua Halling who returned to being the band's photographer. However, Halling recorded all bass tracks on the upcoming album. On the same day, they unveiled the Neck Deep app, which features photos, videos, tour dates, and announcements. A header image reading "You are invited to Sonderland" with the dates 28/02/20 - 29/02/20 is featured prominently. Their tour was scheduled to be in the U.K. and in the United States throughout 2020 with their new album, All Distortions Are Intentional being released on 24 July 2020.[39] However, the tour was postponed to the following year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The band released an EP Live From Lockdown featuring a 5-song set of "live" performances of their recent album.

On 10 May 2022, longtime drummer Dani Washington announced via the band's social media pages that he would be parting ways with the band after 10 years to pursue other ventures, being replaced by their long-time drum tech Matt Powles.[40] On 26 May 2022, the band (now as free agents having recently split with Hopeless Records) released a new non-album single titled "STFU", along with a music video.

Neck Deep (2023–present)

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The band released three new singles titled "Heartbreak Of The Century", "Take Me With You", and "It Won't Be Like This Forever" on 14 February, 8 August, and 27 September 2023 respectively, along with music videos. The band had been working under their own label TB Records, with exclusive license to Hopeless Records. On 28 September 2023, frontman Ben Barlow announced their new album, self-titled Neck Deep, which was to be released on 19 January 2024 through TB Records under exclusive license to Hopeless Records. It was produced and engineered by bassist and Ben's brother Seb Barlow after the band's dissatisfaction with the album's initial production in Los Angeles, causing the delay in the album's release.[41] The fourth single, titled "We Need More Bricks", was released on 15 November 2023. A music video for "Dumbstruck Dumbf**k" came out on 18 January 2024.[42]. Neck Deep was officially released on 19 January 2024 via Hopeless Records, with several headline tours played over the next year to promote the new album, including their biggest headline show to date at Alexandra Palace. The band released a single, "You Should See Me Now", on 21 May 2025. The single was then featured on the deluxe version of their self-titled album alongside "STFU" and live versions of "Dumbstruck Dumbf**k" and "Take Me With You" from their show in Barcelona, released on 12 September 2025.

Neck Deep went on a UK headline tour in December 2025 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their album Life's Not Out To Get You.

Musical style and influences

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Neck Deep is a pop-punk band.[43] Their sound has been described as being reminiscent of Blink-182, New Found Glory, the Wonder Years, Green Day, and the Descendents.[43] Vocalist Ben Barlow said that A Day to Remember and Architects as a massive influence on the band.[44] The early Fall Out Boy work and Sum 41 have been cited as being influences.[45]

[edit]

Neck Deep has two "Music Kits" included in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The Life's Not Out to Get You music kit was released on 8 November 2016,[46] and The Lowlife Pack music kit was released on 18 March 2021.[46] The Lowlife Pack music kit includes selections from All Distortions are Intentional.[46]

Band members

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Current

  • Ben Barlow – lead vocals (2012–present)
  • Matt West – rhythm guitar (2012–present)
  • Sam Bowden – lead guitar (2015–present)
  • Seb Barlow – bass guitar, backing vocals (2020–present)
  • Matt Powles – drums (2023–present, touring 2022–2023)

Former

  • Lloyd Roberts – lead guitar (2012–2015)
  • Fil Thorpe-Evans – bass guitar, backing vocals (2012–2018)
  • Joshua Halling – bass guitar (2019–2020)
  • Dani Washington – drums (2012–2022)

Touring

  • Hannah Greenwood – backing vocals (2019)
  • Saxl Rose – saxophone (2018–2019)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
Kerrang! Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 Neck Deep Best British Newcomer Won[47]
2018 "In Bloom" Best Single Won
Alternative Press Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 Neck Deep Best Live Band Won[48]
Rock Sound Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 Neck Deep Best British Band Won[49]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Neck Deep is a band formed in , , in 2012. Fronted by vocalist Ben Barlow, the group initially consisted of Barlow alongside guitarist , with subsequent additions and changes including the departure of original lead guitarist Lloyd Roberts in 2015 amid admissions of sending inappropriate messages to underage fans. The current lineup features Barlow on lead vocals, guitarists Sam Bowden and , bassist Seb Barlow (Ben's brother), and drummer Matt Bowles. Signed to , Neck Deep has released five studio albums—Wishful Thinking (2014), Life's Not Out to Get You (2015), (2017), All Distortions Are Intentional (2020), and a self-titled effort (2024)—garnering attention for their blend of melodic hooks, introspective lyrics, and energetic sound rooted in 1990s and 2000s influences. The band has built a reputation for relentless touring, including headlining slots on the Vans Warped Tour, co-headlining international packages, and recent outings supporting acts like and The Story So Far, alongside festival appearances that highlight their live prowess and fan engagement.

History

Formation and early EP releases (2012–2013)

Neck Deep formed in , , in 2012 as a project initiated by vocalist Ben Barlow and guitarist Lloyd Roberts, who connected through Barlow's older brother Seb, a recording Roberts' prior hardcore band. The duo started in a setup, self-releasing two initial tracks online—"A Part of Me" and "I Couldn't Wait to Leave 6 Months Ago"—which later featured on their debut EP. Barlow handled vocals and lyrics, while Roberts contributed guitar and production input, drawing from local DIY scenes. The band expanded its lineup with rhythm guitarist , bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans, and drummer Dani Abasi to support live performances. In June 2012, Neck Deep signed with independent U.S. label We Are Triumphant, enabling professional recording. Their debut EP, Rain in July, emerged from sessions that month and was released on September 18, 2012, comprising seven tracks: "Kick It," "Silver Lining," "What Did You Expect?," "Over and Over," "A Part of Me," "I Couldn't Wait to Leave 6 Months Ago," and "All Hype, No Heart." The EP's raw, melodic sound, centered on themes of relationships and youthful frustration, circulated via digital platforms and vinyl pressings, building early online buzz. Following Rain in July's momentum, Neck Deep self-released their second EP, A History of Bad Decisions, on February 19, 2013, limited to three tracks: "," "," and "Head to the Ground." Offered initially as a free digital download and bundled with Rain in July vinyl variants, the EP intensified their DIY ethos while refining aggressive riffs and Barlow's emotive delivery. These releases, totaling ten songs across both EPs, established the band's foundational style and propelled them toward international label interest without major promotional backing.

Breakthrough with Wishful Thinking and Life's Not Out to Get You, initial lineup changes (2014–2016)

Neck Deep released their debut studio album, Wishful Thinking, on January 14, 2014, through Hopeless Records. The album peaked at number 108 on the UK Albums Chart, number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart, and number 3 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart. Its release marked the band's transition to a full-time pursuit, with members leaving jobs and university courses to focus on music. Critical reception was generally positive, with a Metacritic score of 71 based on four reviews, praising its energetic pop-punk sound. The album's success facilitated extensive touring, including the 2014 'Murica Tour, a fall headlining run with Real Friends, Cruel Hand, and Have Mercy, and appearances at festivals like Hit the Deck in Nottingham. Building on this momentum, the band recorded their second album, Life's Not Out to Get You, which was released on August 14, 2015, also via . It achieved greater commercial success, debuting at number 8 on the and number 17 on the US 200. The album's promotion included performances on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, where tracks like "Over & Over" and "Crushing Grief (No Remedy)" were showcased live. This period solidified Neck Deep's rising profile in the scene, with increased international visibility through headlining tours and festival slots. In August 2015, shortly after the second album's release, rhythm guitarist Lloyd Roberts departed the band amid online accusations of directed at him. The band issued a statement noting that while the full facts remained unclear, Roberts had chosen to step down to address his reputation and legal matters, emphasizing their commitment to continuing without him. Roberts later released a statement denying the allegations and expressing distress over their impact. This change occurred as the band prepared for further touring, including 2016 world dates and shows supporting Life's Not Out to Get You. The departure represented the initial significant lineup shift, though the core members—vocalist Ben Barlow, guitarist , drummer Dani Abasi, and bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans—remained intact for subsequent activities.

The Peace and the Panic and touring peak (2017–2018)

The Peace and the Panic, Neck Deep's third studio album, was released on August 18, 2017, through Hopeless Records. Produced by Mike Green—who had previously worked with acts like Pierce the Veil and Paramore—the album features 11 tracks and marks a sonic evolution incorporating broader pop-punk elements alongside the band's established style. Lead singles included "In Bloom" and "The Grand Delusion," both released prior to the album's launch to promote its themes of life's dualities and personal struggles. The record debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, number 3 on both the Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts, and achieved number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart, reflecting the band's growing commercial traction. Critically, the album received praise for its polished production and lyrical maturity, with reviewers noting its balance of energetic hooks and introspective content as a maturation from prior releases. described it as a revitalization of , crediting the shift toward more expansive arrangements while retaining core appeal. New Noise Magazine highlighted its exploration of accepting life's highs and lows, positioning it as a cohesive statement on resilience amid chaos. However, some critiques, such as from Spectrum Pulse, viewed it as solid but not revolutionary within the , emphasizing strong songcraft over . This period represented Neck Deep's touring peak, highlighted by a headline slot on the 2017 Vans Warped Tour, where they performed across multiple dates including July 7 in Camden, New Jersey, and July 15 in Holmdel, New Jersey. Capitalizing on the album's momentum, the band announced a 2018 North American headline tour during a Warped performance on August 7, 2017, supported by Seaway, Creeper, and Speak Low If You Speak Love, with dates spanning early 2018 such as February 12 alongside these acts. A second leg followed in September 2018, including stops at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California, on September 6 and Ventura Theater on September 7, underscoring their expanded draw in key markets. These tours, tied directly to The Peace and the Panic, solidified the band's status as a pop-punk mainstay, with over 100 documented performances in 2018 alone.

All Distortions Are Intentional amid pandemic disruptions (2019–2022)

Following the release of The Peace and the Panic in 2017, Neck Deep began developing material for their fourth studio album in 2019, after bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans departed the band in late 2018. The album, titled All Distortions Are Intentional, was produced by Matt Squire, known for his work with acts including Panic! at the Disco and Ariana Grande. Announced on February 28, 2020, the record marked the band's first concept album, centered on the fictional world of Sonderland—an exaggerated depiction of society—and follows the story of protagonist Jett, a loner navigating themes of disconnection, existential confusion, and a tumultuous relationship with Alice. The album comprises 12 tracks, including interludes like "," and was recorded with the lineup featuring vocalist Ben Barlow, guitarists and Sam Bowden, drummer Dani Abasi (formerly Washington), and touring bassist handling bass duties. Lead singles included "Sonderland," released on March 3, 2020, and "Fall" on June 17, 2020, both previewing the narrative arc. All Distortions Are Intentional was released on July 24, 2020, via , debuting at number 4 on the for one week and reaching number 49 on the US Billboard 200. The significantly disrupted promotion and touring plans, with the band's intended headline tour postponed from fall 2020 to 2021 due to restrictions. Similarly, the and tour supporting the album was rescheduled multiple times, ultimately shifting to early 2022 amid ongoing case surges. In December 2021, the remaining tour dates were canceled after confirmed cases within the band. Despite these setbacks, Neck Deep resumed live performances in 2022, including at the Festival in . On May 10, 2022, drummer Dani Abasi announced her departure via the band's , concluding a period of lineup stability amid the disruptions.

Self-titled album, deluxe editions, and ongoing activities (2023–present)

Neck Deep released their self-titled fifth studio album on January 19, 2024, via . The band had announced the project on September 28, 2023, alongside the single "It Won't Be Like This Forever," positioning it as a return to their core sound built from the ground up. On September 12, 2025, the band issued a deluxe edition of the self-titled album, subtitled The Dumbfuck Edition, which incorporated new tracks, live recordings, and revised artwork. This version, also distributed through , included the new single "You Should See Me Now," highlighted during promotions for the expanded release. From 2023 onward, Neck Deep sustained extensive touring, encompassing a 2024 North American headline run and a 2025 tour supporting events like Slam Dunk Festival alongside acts such as and One Step Closer. In fall 2025, they joined The Story So Far for a U.S. tour with and Pain of Truth as openers. Additional December 2025 dates included performances in , , , and . On October 22, 2025, the band signed with Culture Wave and Red Light Management for representation.

Artistry

Musical style and genre classification

Neck Deep's music is predominantly classified as , a genre marked by high-energy guitar riffs, driving drum patterns, and melodic vocal lines that emphasize accessibility and emotional directness. This classification aligns with their origins in the early pop punk scene, where they drew from punk rock's raw aggression tempered by pop's harmonic catchiness, as evident in debut releases featuring fast-paced tracks with gang vocals and progressions. While rooted in , the band's style incorporates alternative and influences, including repetitive riff structures and occasional atmospheric elements that evoke early 2000s emo aesthetics, particularly in mid-period albums where instrumentals softened to highlight introspective melodies. Reviewers have described their sound as evolving beyond "generic" pop punk conventions without fully abandoning them, blending punk's drive with broader rock experimentation to maintain genre fidelity amid revivalist trends. Genre classifications from music databases and critics consistently position Neck Deep as a flagship act in the pop punk resurgence, with their self-titled works reaffirming core stylistic hallmarks like taut, anthemic compositions despite sonic expansions into adjacent territories. This places them alongside contemporaries in a lineage emphasizing youthful and melodic immediacy, though some analyses note their polish as distinguishing them from rawer punk variants.

Evolution of sound

Neck Deep's early releases, including the EPs Rain in July (2012) and A History of Bad Decisions (2013), established a foundation in pop-punk characterized by heartfelt lyrics on relationships and large, anthemic riffs typical of the genre. Their debut album Wishful Thinking (2014) refined this into a blend of pop-punk and emo, featuring fast-paced drums, prominent guitar lines with a slight hardcore edge, and influences from bands like Blink-182 for punk energy and Taking Back Sunday for emotional intensity. The follow-up Life's Not Out to Get You (2015) amplified the elements with thunderous hooks, slashing guitar riffs, and furious drumming, delivering a more optimistic and melodic sound while retaining fast tempos and pop-influenced lyrics. This album solidified their appeal through infectious, earnest hooks that defined a generation of pop-punk listeners. By (2017), the band began diverging from pure toward and early 2000s influences, incorporating softer instrumentals, repetitive riffs, and introspective themes shaped by personal losses like the death of vocalist Ben Barlow's father. Tracks like "" exemplified this shift, prioritizing emotional depth over high-energy punk aggression. The Peace and the Panic laid groundwork for further experimentation in All Distortions Are Intentional (2020), where Neck Deep expanded into a broader palette drawing from (Nirvana, ), (Oasis), and (, ), featuring diverse structures such as spoken-word passages and narrative-driven songs within a conceptual "Sonderland" framework. This album marked a deliberate move away from genre constraints, blending residual with experimental elements to forge a distinctive identity. The self-titled album (2024) represented a partial return to roots, emphasizing fast-paced, guitar-driven energy, catchy choruses, and self-deprecating themes reminiscent of Life's Not Out to Get You, but produced in-house for a raw, hopeful edge. While retaining core vitality, it integrated subtle broader influences for freshness, reflecting matured songwriting without fully abandoning earlier experimentation.

Influences

Neck Deep's musical influences are rooted primarily in the genre of the late 1990s and early 2000s, with vocalist Ben Barlow identifying Blink-182 as his all-time favorite band for defining his early musical experiences and inspiring him to form a band. Barlow has similarly highlighted New Found Glory as a close second influence, emphasizing their stylistic ties to Blink-182 in shaping the band's energetic, melodic approach to songwriting and performance. These foundational acts contribute to Neck Deep's characteristic blend of catchy hooks, humorous undertones, and youthful themes evident across their discography. Beyond core pop-punk, Barlow cites folk musician Dallas Green (of City and Colour) as an idol whose acoustic songwriting techniques influenced his own folk-inspired projects and broader lyrical depth. Hip-hop elements from Eminem and The Notorious B.I.G. have impacted the band's rhythmic flow and narrative-driven lyrics, while Bring Me the Horizon's evolution from metalcore to mainstream success serves as a model for Neck Deep's career ambitions and genre experimentation. Canadian pop-punk band Sum 41 is also frequently noted as a key early influence, aligning with the group's nostalgic revival of 2000s punk-rock energy. In later releases, such as their 2020 sessions for All Distortions Are Intentional, the band incorporated broader rock elements including from Oasis and heavy riffs reminiscent of , expanding beyond strict confines while retaining core melodic structures. This diversification reflects Barlow's stated appreciation for bands like Blink-182 that balance seriousness with irreverence, allowing Neck Deep to evolve without abandoning their punk heritage.

Lyrical themes and content

Neck Deep's lyrics, primarily penned by vocalist Ben Barlow, recurrently explore themes of personal relationships, the challenges of maturation, struggles, and resilience in the face of adversity. Early works emphasize youthful heartbreak and , as in "A Part Of Me," which laments inaction in love with lines like "Now all I can do is lay in my room, fall asleep, dream of you, then wake up and do nothing about it." Songs such as "Losing Teeth" reflect on the bittersweet value of past experiences, noting "Though we complained about it all, was such a worthwhile waste of my time," capturing the transition from to adulthood. As the band's catalog evolved, lyrical content shifted toward deeper and relational complexity, mirroring fans' progression into their twenties and thirties. Albums like (2017) delve into perseverance amid existential doubt, exemplified by "Where Do We Go When We Go" pleading "Pain, pain go away," while urging a proactive stance against life's toll. Relationship dynamics mature from teenage infatuation, as in "" affirming mutual support through trials—"Cause you've had your own mountains to climb"—to acknowledging irreparable bonds in tracks like "," which depicts futile attempts to salvage a decaying akin to a wilting plant. Mental health emerges prominently in later releases, particularly All Distortions Are Intentional (2020), framed by the conceptual Sonderland narrative of protagonist Jett's isolation and detachment from a "pointless" world. Barlow draws from personal dreams and experiences to portray bipolar emotional swings in "Quarry," oscillating between love and suicidal ideation, and relational crises in "Empty House," underscoring love's endurance despite flaws. The self-titled album (2024) extends this with examinations of self-doubt in "Moody Weirdo" and tense familial bonds, questioning parental love's adequacy. Societal critiques appear sporadically, as in politically charged tracks like "Don't Wait," probing treatment of the marginalized, though personal narratives dominate. Overall, Barlow's writing prioritizes emotional authenticity over abstraction, evolving from diary-like confessions to narrative-driven reflections on purpose and recovery.

Critical reception

Commercial achievements

Neck Deep's debut album Wishful Thinking (2014) entered the UK Albums Chart at number 108 and reached number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. In the US, it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. The follow-up Life's Not Out to Get You (2015) marked the band's first entry into the UK top 10, peaking at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart. It topped three US Billboard charts: Vinyl Albums, Tastemaker Albums, and Digital Albums. The Peace and the Panic (2017) represented their commercial peak to date, debuting at number 4 on the with 32,000 equivalent album units in its first week, primarily from traditional album sales. It also reached number 4 on the , their highest position there at the time. All Distortions Are Intentional (2020), released amid the , peaked at number 3 on a chart (likely ) and number 10 on the Top Album Sales chart. The album sold 23,151 copies in the during its chart run. The self-titled fifth album (2024) debuted at number 2 on the midweek, positioning it as the band's highest-charting release in the if confirmed, though final data indicated strong physical and independent sales performance.
AlbumUK Albums PeakUS Billboard 200 PeakFirst-Week US Units (if available)
Wishful Thinking (2014)108--
Life's Not Out to Get You (2015)7--
The Peace and the Panic (2017)4432,000
All Distortions Are Intentional (2020)---
Neck Deep (2024)2 (midweek)--
The band has accumulated over one billion streams across platforms, with the single "December" certified gold by the RIAA in the , equivalent to 500,000 units. No major album certifications have been reported, reflecting the genre's reliance on touring and streaming over physical sales thresholds.

Critical praise and analyses

Critics have lauded Neck Deep's self-titled 2024 album as an "unabashed joy from start to finish," highlighting its return to energetic roots with incisive songwriting refined through prior experimentation. The record, rated 9/10 by reviewers, balances fast-paced anthems like "Dumbstruck Dumbf*ck" with introspective tracks, earning contention as one of 2024's strongest releases for its catchy execution akin to Blink-182 and . Similarly, (2017) drew praise for its multi-layered arrangements, offering substantial depth that unfolds across repeated listens. Lyrical analyses emphasize the band's intelligent handling of personal and societal themes, incorporating irreverent vocabulary such as "petrichor" and "solipsistic" to reframe pop-punk conventions around mental health, toxic masculinity, and relational cycles. In the self-titled effort, songs like "Heartbreak of the Century" confront depression and betrayal with raw candor, while "It Won’t Be Like This Forever" promotes resilience through "one small step every day," reflecting a maturation in emotional directness. All Distortions Are Intentional (2020) employs a conceptual "Sonderland" framework to probe "sonder"—the awareness of others' intricate lives—via tracks like "When You Know," which evoke nostalgic wistfulness, though executed with slick, arena-ready hooks. The band's sound evolution, from scrappier early works to smoother, pop-infused productions under collaborators like , underscores their ambition in expanding 's scope while retaining jubilant refrains and appeal. This progression has cemented Neck Deep as the UK's premier outfit, with angst-driven songs fueling intense live crowds and mosh pits.

Criticisms and debates over artistic direction

Neck Deep's artistic trajectory has drawn scrutiny for diverging from the band's foundational sound, particularly with the 2017 album , which incorporated more polished production and elements compared to the raw energy of their 2015 debut Life's Not a Paragraph. Fans and critics argued this shift prioritized mainstream accessibility over the genre's characteristic aggression, with some accusing the band of diluting their punk to chase broader appeal. This evolution sparked debates about whether such changes represented genuine maturation or a concessions to commercial pressures, as evidenced by fan discussions highlighting backlash against the album's "softer" tracks. The 2020 release All Distortions Are Intentional intensified these debates, as the band leaned further into experimental structures, electronic influences, and concept-driven narratives, moving away from guitar-centric riffs toward vocal-heavy arrangements and thematic abstraction. Reviewers criticized the for lacking the "typical Neck Deep features" that defined their early appeal, such as high-energy hooks and straightforward drive, resulting in an execution described as "all over the place" despite ambitious intent. Others contended it alienated the pop-punk audience by blurring genre boundaries too aggressively, with production that rendered guitar parts indistinct and overly reliant on heavy effects, evoking comparisons to bands criticized for insufficient punk credibility. Fan forums reflected this polarization, with some labeling the changes as "flawed" thematically and sonically, while defenders viewed the as resistance to necessary innovation. Proponents of the band's direction countered that these shifts demonstrate artistic growth, citing All Distortions Are Intentional as a "bold step" in creative evolution over their career, though detractors maintained it sacrificed cohesion for novelty, leading to "hit-or-miss" results that failed to fully integrate the experiments. By the self-titled 2024 album, debates persisted, with some observers noting a partial return to roots amid deluxe editions, yet the earlier pivots remained a flashpoint for discussions on balancing fan expectations with personal exploration.

Controversies

2015 sexual misconduct allegations

In August 2015, shortly after the release of Neck Deep's second studio album Life's Not Out to Get You on August 14, Neck Deep guitarist Lloyd Roberts faced online allegations of , specifically sending explicit messages and nude photographs to underage female fans under the age of 16, the UK's . The claims originated from a Reddit thread and posts around August 22, where accusers detailed interactions including requests for images from minors. Fil Thorpe-Evans was also named in some accusations of similar behavior, though these received less attention and did not result in his departure. On August 23, 2015, Neck Deep issued an official statement via acknowledging the allegations, stating they took them "very seriously" and emphasizing the need to protect fans, particularly younger ones who attended shows. The band announced Roberts had chosen to step down immediately to focus on his family, citing discomfort with his reputation being "sullied" by the claims, while affirming commitment to upcoming performances. Roberts initially responded on , urging anyone believing he had acted wrongly to contact police directly. Roberts proactively contacted to investigate the matter. On October 14, 2015, confirmed they had fully examined the complaints of explicit communications with an underage fan and closed the case with no further action, finding insufficient evidence for charges. In a statement released October 13, 2015, Roberts described the period as "horrendous," noting he had just become a father and the accusations caused significant emotional distress to his family; he expressed relief at the clearance, denied wrongdoing, and outlined plans to resume music production independently while wishing the band well. The incident led to Roberts' permanent replacement by guitarist Sam Bowden, with no subsequent legal proceedings or revived claims reported.

Band members

Current lineup

Neck Deep's current lineup, as of 2025, comprises lead vocalist Ben Barlow, who co-founded the band in 2012; rhythm Matt West, also a founding member from ; lead Sam Bowden, who joined in 2015 following the departure of an earlier ; Seb Barlow, Ben Barlow's brother and a long-term member handling bass duties; and drummer Matt Powles, who provides in recent tours and recordings. This configuration has supported the band's activities, including their 2025 North American and Australian tours promoting new material.

Former members and contributions

Lloyd Roberts served as the band's co-founding lead guitarist from its inception in 2012 until August 2015, when he stepped down following online allegations of sexual misconduct that prompted a police investigation. North Wales Police discontinued the probe in October 2015, citing insufficient evidence to proceed. Roberts contributed to the band's early songwriting and recordings, including the debut single "What Did You Expect?" that attracted initial online attention, as well as the 2013 EP A History of Bad Decisions, the 2014 EP Rain in July, and the full-length debut Wishful Thinking (2014). He also performed on Life's Not a Paragraph (2015) prior to his exit. Fil Thorpe-Evans was the original bassist from 2012 until his departure on September 3, 2018, which he described as a decision to pursue the next phase of his life after the band had fulfilled a dream. The announcement came two days before a U.S. tour, with the band confirming his exit via social media. Thorpe-Evans provided bass lines for the band's formative releases, including Wishful Thinking (2014), Life's Not a Paragraph (2015), and The Peace and the Panic (2017), helping establish Neck Deep's pop-punk sound during their rise to prominence. Dani Abasi joined as shortly after the band's formation and remained until May 10, 2022, spanning a decade of activity that included extensive touring and creative growth. He departed amicably to focus on personal projects, such as his and clothing brand , with the band expressing support for his future endeavors. Abasi's drumming featured on four Wishful Thinking (2014), Life's Not a Paragraph (2015), (2017), and All Distortions Are Intentional (2020)—delivering the high-energy rhythms characteristic of the band's style, influenced by his background in aggressive, pedal-heavy techniques.

Discography

Studio albums

Neck Deep's debut studio album, , was released in 2014 on . The record marked the band's first full-length release following their signing with the label in 2013 and featured tracks produced in studios including Celestial Recordings in . The band's second studio album, Life's Not Out to Get You, came out on August 14, 2015, via . Recorded between December 2014 and January 2015, it consisted of 12 tracks emphasizing elements and was produced with contributions from and . The Peace and the Panic, their third studio album, was issued on August 18, 2017, by . The 12-track effort explored broader influences while retaining roots. In 2020, Neck Deep released their fourth studio album, All Distortions Are Intentional, on July 24 through . The album included 12 songs and addressed themes of personal growth amid global events. The self-titled fifth studio album, Neck Deep, arrived on January 19, 2024, again on . Comprising 10 tracks, it was self-produced by the band and focused on raw .

Extended plays and singles

Neck Deep released two extended plays early in their career, prior to signing with . Their debut EP, Rain in July, came out on September 11, 2012, via We Are Triumphant Records, marking the band's initial foray into recording with a raw style. The follow-up, A History of Bad Decisions, arrived on February 19, 2013, as a self-released digital EP featuring tracks like "" and "," which showcased evolving songwriting and production. These EPs were later compiled into a single release in 2014 but originated as standalone efforts that built momentum through online sharing and early tours. The band has issued numerous singles, often as lead tracks from albums or standalone digital releases, totaling over a dozen by 2025. Early singles like "A Part of Me" (featuring Laura Whiteside), originating from the Rain in July era, gained traction via streaming platforms. Later examples include "," a collaboration with released in 2015 to promote Life's Not Out to Get You, and "" from the same album, which became a fan staple for its melodic hooks. In recent years, Neck Deep shifted toward more experimental singles such as "STFU" on May 26, 2022, emphasizing introspective lyrics, followed by "Heartbreak of the Century" on February 14, 2023, tied to their self-titled album promotion. The most recent, "You Should See Me Now," dropped on May 21, 2025, reflecting continued evolution in their sound amid lineup changes.
Single TitleRelease DateNotes
A Part of Me (feat. Laura Whiteside)2012Early promotional track
December (feat. )2015Album lead single
2014From Life's Not Out to Get You
STFUMay 26, 2022Standalone digital release
Heartbreak of the CenturyFebruary 14, 2023Self-titled album single
You Should See Me NowMay 21, 2025Recent single

References

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