Neck Deep Delivers ‘The Peace And The Panic'

Neck Deep has hit the pop-punk scene head on with the release of their newest album, The Peace and the Panic.

Being their third studio album, The Peace and the Panic is nothing less of an album of duality, incorporating both ideas of “peace” and “panic,” with styles inspired by both pop and punk music.

Originating out of Wales, the band has gradually gained it’s following from the start of their first debut album release, Wishful Thinking, followed by their second release of Life’s Not Out to Get You. Now on album number three, Neck Deep has confidently come to terms with both the highs and lows of life emotionally, crafting their most diverse release yet to date.

Arguably speaking, The Peace and the Panic is nothing like anything the band has previously released, and in the best way possible.

Signed to Hopeless Records with similar bands such as All Time Low, With Confidence and Tonight Alive, Neck Deep includes their fair share of similar pop punk anthems, but with more emphasis on their tracks that are inspired from loss, fear, and the art of moving on.

Kicking off the album is the self-positive, uplifting first track entitled “Motion Sickness.” Throughout the course of this anthem, lead vocalist Ben Barlow pleas to both the listener and himself, “Don’t stop now / Think twice before you go and throw it all away.” This track serves as an honest first chapter for the band, exposing their vulnerability while showcasing their self assurance, all while the driving guitar melody creates the urge to get up and dance.

Following “Motion Sickness” is “Happy Judgement Day,” the perfect follow-up track for the band’s dynamic between “peace” and “panic.” Whereas the first track is more uplifting and encouraging, “Happy Judgement Day” addresses anxiety, paranoia and trying to find understanding within others. Musically, this track delivers an uptempo rhythm while Barlow sings the lyrics, “Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this could be farewell / Well we almost had it, then we pissed it all away.”

The third track “The Grand Delusion,” really showcases the shifts within the band’s album. This track takes on a smother, more melodic tone than the previous songs. Barlow’s vocals seem to be less staccato, giving him the opportunity to sustain longer notes with a slower chorus.

The message behind this track pinpoints mental health, as we see the band questioning one’s identity in the main hook, “I’m coming to the conclusion / I think I would rather be anyone else but me.”

Following “The Grand Delusion,” we continue to see the album evolve throughout each track. Placed in the middle of the album, the track “In Bloom” emotes a softer, more emotional story, almost as if Barlow is bearing his soul. Thematically, this track perfectly embodies the message of both the “peace” and the “panic” of the album, making note of one’s insecurities and battles, while trying to get better.

Immediately following “In Bloom” is the track “Don’t Wait,” featuring guest vocalist Architects’ Sam Carter. This politically driven song is the polar opposite of previous track “In Bloom,” a perfect example of how The Peace and the Panic has contrasting themes throughout the album, while keeping the energy high.

Once again, we see this contrast of the album perfectly with the acoustic track “Wish You Were Here.” Slowing things down a bit, Neck Deep gives fans a more intimate song with softer melodies and vocals. The sentiment of the track expresses the loss of a loved one from a tragic accident, addressing religion and afterlife through the lyrics, “They say you’re in a better place / Too bad it’s not what I believe.”

Similarly to “Wish You Were Here,” the track “19 Seventy Sumthin” shows the more intimate side to the band, possibly the most story-telling track on the album. Musically more on the pop side, Barlow sings the story of the passing of his father back in 2016.

The song begins cheery, but a sharp change occurs at the bridge of the track when Barlow sings, “Cause baby we made it, yeah baby you saved me,” then progresses to, “But nothing could save him from the ambulance that day / When he went, away.” The instrumental breakdown eventually releases the tension, while the song finishes in the comforting lyrics, “He lives on in all of us.”

Following “19 Seventy Sumthin” is “Where Do We Go When We Go,” the track that is the pivotal moment within the album’s entirety, comfortably fitting for the last song on the album.

Opening with a children’s choir, the lyrics “Pain, pain, go away / Come back another day / I just wanna get one up on life before it kills me,” are sung in unison. The children’s song inspired lyrics deliver a feeling of universality when it comes to experiencing pain and longing.

Once Barlow’s vocals are met with the choir’s, the passion for the meaning of the song is truly emoted; the fear of death, but also the yearning to truly live.

This song does the band justice, closing the album with the band’s familiarity of heavy guitar riffs and driving up-beat melodies.

Overall, the duality of the album is perfectly balanced between the messages of “peace” and “panic.” The Peace and the Panic flawlessly explores the bands personal battles and experiences, creating a very raw, honest and vulnerable third album.

From beginning to end, this album by no means limits the band solely to the unspoken rules of what makes a “good” pop-punk album. Neck Deep challenges themselves by stepping out of their comfort zone, resulting in their best album to date.

Neck Deep will begin a music tour in the United States on Jan. 18. Opening bands include Creeper and Speak Low. For more information on show dates and tickets, visit neckdeepuk.com or follow the band on Twitter @NeckDeepUK.

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