UK-based rock ensemble, Neck Deep, takes a resonant stride back to their roots with the announcement of their self-titled album, slated for release on January 19, 2024, via Hopeless Records. The air quivers with anticipation as the band unveils a new single, “It Won’t Be Like This Forever,” alongside the album announcement—a harmonious prelude to what’s forthcoming.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and creative authenticity, vocalist Ben Barlow shares the band’s enthusiasm for the self-made, self-titled record, stating, “We’re so stoked to announce our new self-made, self-titled record.” The album was crafted within the raw confines of their warehouse in North Wales, with Seb leading the creative helm, reminiscent of the early days where every chord struck was a step into the unknown.
With the release of “It Won’t Be Like This Forever,” Neck Deep extends an auditory olive branch to a world recovering yet reeling from the pandemic’s stark reality.
The track, borne out of a spontaneous chorus while working on another song, quickly became a band favorite. Ben reflects on the track’s evolution from a hopeful anthem during the post-covid reunion in Wales to a narrative of enduring love and self-improvement amidst life’s trials. He remarks, “It’s a love song, a hope song, and a self-improvement song all in one!” The single, now available for streaming, is a testament to the timeless ethos of hope amidst despair, personal or global.
The accompanying music video for “It Won’t Be Like This Forever” is a color-rich narrative interwoven with symbolic paper airplanes, encapsulating the essence of hope, change, and the journey between distant hearts. The visual narrative eloquently mirrors the lyrical optimism, reminding audiences of the transient nature of life’s trials.
“Neck Deep” the album, is a curated sonic voyage that encompasses the myriad facets of Neck Deep’s musical journey, each track is a narrative, a mood, an experience. From the energetic cadence of “Dumbstruck, Dumbf**k” to the poignant introspection in “They Don’t Mean To (But They Do),” the album offers a diverse palette of emotions and musical experimentation.
The narrative of Neck Deep is one of evolution and self-discovery. From humble beginnings in a spare room in Wrexham, Wales, the band now stands at the cusp of releasing their fifth self-titled LP, a reflective journey back to their essence, yet an emblem of their growth. Ben articulates this evolution saying, “This album is the sound of us knowing ourselves and knowing our ability.”
The album is not merely a set of tracks but a manifestation of Neck Deep’s journey, a testament to their enduring authenticity.
Eschewing the allure of external collaborations, Neck Deep chose a path less trodden. They retreated to their warehouse, close to their roots, and created music that was unapologetically them. It’s a narrative of coming full circle, a blend of the old school with the new, a sonic narrative ready to reverberate across the globe.
As the anticipation for the album builds, Neck Deep doesn’t leave their fans waiting in silence. They have announced an EU headlining tour, with tickets now available. The tour is not just a series of live performances, but a celebration of a decade’s journey, a communion of shared hopes, love, and the indomitable spirit of rock.
Upcoming Neck Deep Tour Dates
October 19 – Nijmegen, Netherlands – Doornroosje
October 22 – Cologne, Germany – Live Music Hall
October 24 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theater
October 25 – Warsaw, Poland – Proxima
October 26 – Prague, Czech Republic – MeetFactory
October 28 – Vienna, Austria – Arena Wien
October 29 – Milan, Italy – Magazzini Generali
October 30 – Grafin bei München, Germany – Technikum
November 1 – Zürich, Switzerland – Plaza
November 2 – Ghent, Belgium – Vooruit
November 3 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof
November 5 – Hamburg, Germany – Markthalle
November 6 – Paris, France – La Machine du Moulin Rouge
