Neck Deep – “Life’s Not Out To Get You” [Album Review]

America took Neck Deep to their hearts very quickly so, once the UK got the Neck Deep bug there was no looking back for the band culminating in this, the release of their chart-annoying second album, Life’s Not Out To Get You.

But, why has the entire planet gone Neck Deep crazy? Well, it could be something to do with the fact that despite having a sound that is inspired by the American pop-punk scene, the Wrexham lads haven’t forgotten their roots. Songs like “Lime Street” and “December” are written from the heart. Songs about heartbreak, relationships, disappointment, Life’s Not Out To Get You, for all the inspiration from US pop-punk bands like New Found Glory, is a very British pop-punk record. “December” is a poignant, tear-soaked, heartstring tugger while “I Hope This Comes Back To Haunt You” is another three minutes of reflective, soul-searching pop-punk – of which there are many throughout this honest, emotional record.

From the very start of this album it’s clear that Neck Deep are riding high on the crest of their popularity. It’s a very slick, very polished record but, like I said, for all the New Found Glory/American pop-punk bounce and hooks, Life’s Not Out To Get You still feels like a very real, organic record. It’s a very British album that sounds like it was written on a gloomy Wednesday in a Wrexham café nursing a lukewarm cup of tea reflecting on lost loves rather than soaking up the sun, drinking cocktails on a Florida beach.

Track Listing:

01. Citizens of Earth
02. Threat Level Midnight
03. Can’t Kick Up the Roots
04. Kali Ma
05. Gold Steps
06. Lime St.
07. Serpents
08. The Beach Is for Lovers (Not Lonely Losers)
09. December
10. Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors
11. I Hope This Comes Back to Haunt You
12. Rock Bottom

Run Time: 36:24
Release Date: August 14, 2015

Check out the song “Gold Steps” here.