
Feature Photo: Stefan Bollmann, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
The band Neck Deep formed in 2012 in Wrexham, Wales, when vocalist Ben Barlow met guitarist Lloyd Roberts through the online platform SoundCloud. What began as a casual home recording project quickly evolved into a full band after they released a few early songs online that resonated with fans of the genre. The group solidified its lineup with guitarist Matt West, bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans, and drummer Dani Washington. Within months, Neck Deep was at the forefront of a renewed wave of pop punk, combining emotional storytelling with high-energy performances that connected instantly with audiences.
Their first EP, Rain in July, was released independently in 2012 and quickly gained traction in the underground punk scene. Its success led to the band signing with Hopeless Records in 2013, marking a turning point in their career. That same year, they released a second EP, A History of Bad Decisions, which further showcased their ability to blend catchy hooks with raw honesty. The following year brought the release of their debut studio album, Wishful Thinking, which climbed to number two on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart and earned international recognition. With its themes of youth, loss, and self-discovery, the record established Neck Deep as one of the leading bands in the new generation of pop punk.
Their second album, Life’s Not Out to Get You, released in 2015, elevated the band to global prominence. Produced by Jeremy McKinnon of A Day to Remember and Andrew Wade, the album featured anthems such as “Can’t Kick Up the Roots” and “Gold Steps.” The record’s energy and optimism resonated with both longtime pop punk fans and new listeners, and it was widely praised by critics. It reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart and number seventeen on the Billboard 200 in the United States, cementing Neck Deep’s status as a major international act. Extensive touring followed, including appearances at Vans Warped Tour and headlining shows across Europe, North America, and Australia.
In 2017, the band released The Peace and the Panic, which reflected a more mature sound and lyrical depth. The album explored themes of anxiety, loss, and resilience, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and world events. It included singles such as “In Bloom” and “Motion Sickness,” both of which became fan favorites. The Peace and the Panic debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200, making it the band’s most commercially successful release to that point. The album earned widespread acclaim for its balance of emotional introspection and energetic songwriting, proving that Neck Deep could evolve without losing their signature sound.
By 2020, Neck Deep continued to evolve musically with the release of All Distortions Are Intentional. The album marked a conceptual shift, telling a story about a fictional character named Jett and his search for meaning in a distorted reality. Recorded in Wales and produced by Matt Squire, the album blended the band’s pop punk roots with alternative and emo influences. It debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart and number thirteen on the Billboard 200, further establishing the group’s versatility and artistic ambition. The singles “Lowlife” and “When You Know” were praised for their melodic hooks and thoughtful lyrics, reflecting the band’s growth and creative confidence.
In 2024, Neck Deep released their self-titled fifth studio album, Neck Deep, returning to a more straightforward and energetic sound reminiscent of their earlier work. The album was produced by vocalist Ben Barlow and guitarist Seb Barlow, showcasing a more self-sufficient approach. It featured the singles “Heartbreak of the Century” and “It Won’t Be Like This Forever,” which captured the band’s trademark blend of nostalgia and modern punk energy. The record received positive reviews for its raw production and emotional immediacy, reaffirming the group’s place among the leading names in contemporary punk music.
Throughout their career, Neck Deep has been recognized for their dedication to their fans and their influence on the resurgence of pop punk. They have won Kerrang! Awards and Alternative Press Music Awards, including accolades for Best British Band and Best Live Band. Their performances are known for their enthusiasm and sense of community, reflecting the band’s roots in a genre built on connection and authenticity. Beyond their music, members of Neck Deep have been active in supporting mental health awareness and social causes, often using their platform to advocate for positive change.
Complete List Of Neck Deep Songs From A to Z
- 19 Seventy Sumthin’ – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Beautiful Madness – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Blank Pages – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Can’t Kick Up the Roots – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Can’t Kick Up the Roots (acoustic) – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Candour – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Citizens of Earth – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Critical Mistake – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Crushing Grief (No Remedy) – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Damsel in Distress – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- December – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- December (full band version) – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Don’t Wait – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Dumbstruck Dumbfuck – Neck Deep – 2024
- Dumbstruck Dumbfuck (Live in Barcelona) – Neck Deep – 2024
- Empty House – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Fall – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Go Outside! – Neck Deep – 2024
- Gold Steps – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Growing Pains – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Happy Judgement Day – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Heartbreak of the Century – Neck Deep – 2024
- Heavy Lies – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- I Hope This Comes Back to Haunt You – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- I Revolve (Around You) – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- In Bloom – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- It Won’t Be Like This Forever – Neck Deep – 2024
- Kali Ma – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Lime St. – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Lime St. (acoustic) – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Little Dove – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Losing Teeth – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Lowlife – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Mileage – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Moody Weirdo – Neck Deep – 2024
- Motion Sickness – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Parachute – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Pushing Daisies – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Quarry – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Rock Bottom – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Say What You Want – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Serpents – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Sick Joke – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- Sonderland – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Sort Yourself Out – Neck Deep – 2024
- Staircase Wit – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- STFU – Neck Deep – 2024
- Sweet Nothings – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- Take Me with You – Neck Deep – 2024
- Take Me with You (Live in Barcelona) – Neck Deep – 2024
- Telling Stories – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- The Beach Is for Lovers (Not Lonely Losers) – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- The Grand Delusion – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- They May Not Mean To (But They Do) – Neck Deep – 2024
- This Is All My Fault – Neck Deep – 2024
- Threat Level Midnight – Life’s Not out to Get You – 2015
- We Need More Bricks – Neck Deep – 2024
- What Did You Expect? – Wishful Thinking – 2014
- What Took You So Long – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- When You Know – All Distortions Are Intentional – 2020
- Where Do We Go When We Go – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Wish You Were Here – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- Worth It – The Peace and the Panic – 2017
- You Should See Me Now – Neck Deep – 2024
- Zoltar Speaks – Wishful Thinking – 2014
Albums
Wishful Thinking (2014): 12 songs
Life’s Not out to Get You (2015): 15 songs
The Peace and the Panic (2017): 13 songs
All Distortions Are Intentional (2020): 12 songs
Neck Deep (2024): 14 songs
Check out similar articles and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
Complete List Of Neck Deep Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.



































