Neck Deep
Showbox Sodo // Seattle, WA // February 5, 2024
Photos and review by Rachael Dowd
Hot off the heels of releasing their self-titled album, Neck Deep returned to rainy Seattle for a completely sold-out, headlining show at the Showbox Sodo. Fans throughout the crowd and in the bar were treated to a staggering 20-song set list that spanned nearly Neck Deep’s entire discography.
Opening up the set with one of the latest tracks, “Dumbstruck Dumbf**k,” Neck Deep’s energy on stage was quickly matched by the sea of people in front of them. The upbeat track set the tone for the night, letting ticketholders know they were in for a night full of classic pop-punk tunes.
Neck Deep turned out hit after hit, lining up their set with tracks like “Kai Ma,” “Lowlife” and the Life’s Not Out To Get You deep cut “Lime St.,” which was quickly followed up by fan-favorite “Gold Steps.”
One of the more memorable moments of the night came during “Don’t Wait,” where vocalist Ben Barlow jumped onto the barricade to be close to the crowd, hovering over fans in the front row as he sang the impassioned lyrics.
He later went on to talk about the ongoing wars around the world and how we all may need to get a bit more angry to enact change before kicking off with the politically-charged track, “We Need More Bricks.” Clad in a “No War” t-shirt the entire night, Barlow and those two performances helped solidify Neck Deep’s political stance in the scene, a refreshing take we don’t see too often these days.
The crowd was also treated to the debut performance of “They May Not Mean To (But They Do),” taken from Neck Deep’s new self-titled album. The guitar-heavy track sits nicely in their discography, complementing the catchy choruses and down-to-earth lyrics Neck Deep has become known for.
The Seattle show proved historic for two individuals in particular, who got engaged just before “She’s A God,” which Barlow dedicated to the happy couple. Closing out the night with a three-song encore – “STFU,” “Can’t Kick Up The Roots” and “In Bloom” — Neck Deep truly proved why they are one of the most sought-after live bands in the pop-punk scene.
With multiple dates sold out on this current tour, the sheer musicianship and energy each member of Neck Deep brings to the stage every night makes for an unforgettable show you can’t help but dance and sing along to.
There are plenty of tour dates left, so make sure to grab tickets if you can!
