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Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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NECK DEEP
+ Yours Truly
@ The Forum, Melbourne,
05th September 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

Photos by Len Panecki (@lenpanecki)

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Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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How long has it been since Neck Deep were in Australia last? It has been nearly five long years. Fans in line are debating what event the band even played last in Melbourne. Seriously we went into the pandemic pop punk kids and came out mini adults that didn’t quite evolve fully.

Fans are rabid for the Welsh pop punk outfit’s return, and Melbourne has snapped up all of tonight’s tickets. It’s an hour before doors, and the line is snaked around several corners. The merch line inside gets just as bad spanning over two levels, with fans eager to rep their favourite band on the streets.

The only complaint from tonight will be the hour wait between doors and support band Yours Truly. It was an opportunity wasted to have a local pre opener. Ok no more negativity, that’s out of the way.

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Yours Truly Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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A hotly rising band in the alternative rock scene, Yours Truly are a fitting support to start the night. Their blend of thrashing, electro grunge rock had quite a few heads bopping to the rhythm. Yours Truly filled their set with classics like “High Hopes” and “Circles” to edgier “Walk Over My Grave” and poppy “Careless Kind”. Unfortunately, they lost two members in the year’s first half, however their sound and performance were strong. The Forum is a big stage, and Delgado pretty much carried the performance on her shoulders.

From her head to her toes, Delgado didn’t miss a note. Commendable mention to their touring members who absolutely shredded on guitar and drums, they sounded well- rehearsed and super tight as a unit. Holding themselves with poise and passion, Yours Truly will only rise from here.

It was great to see a full floor for Yours Truly. There was a light-hearted vibe in the room, and people are clearly out tonight to enjoy a good show and have fun. This show is for the pop punk fans, a quick peek at Instagram stories reveals Between You And Me are spectators tonight too.

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Yours Truly Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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We need to talk about Neck Deep’s set list, a superbly curated compilation of old and new. Listening to chatter post show, many people heard their favourites. Opening with more recent material, “Sonderland” and the wonderfully zesty “Lowlife”, spirits were high and feet jumping off the floor. Following these appetisers, we dive into a rapid fire of mains. That’s right the classic pop punk stuff, circle pit inducing, windmill kicking, fist shaking stuff. I’m talking “Kali Ma”, “Can’t Kick Up The Roots” and “Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors” cumulating into a euphoric popping candy high.

Not having had the chance to tour their last album “All Distortions Are Intentional”, and since releasing a huge handful of singles, there is so much material for the band to draw from. Throughout the night, Barlow drops Easter eggs of clues to upcoming songs.

Digging deep into the archives for “Over And Over” Neck Deep remind us of the gritty, raw attitude that built the foundations of a bourgeoning fan base over ten years ago. That’s attitude in both sound and mind. Climbing out over the crowd, the elation on Barlow’s face is visible as fans screamed the words in tandem.

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Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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Known for their personal lyrics that explores difficulties in relationships, personal growth, and discriminatory agendas, Neck Deep has always had a knack for writing from the heart. Latest single “Take Me With You” is an incredibly fun song that has the catchy melody and zippy tempo of their pop punk material, with the polish of their latest album. Barely a month since release, it is a crowd hit. All this combined with punchy accents and bullet sharp snares makes for a delicious cocktail that is sweet and crisp, with a tangy aftertaste.

Unbelievably even after belting out a slew of powerhouse anthems the band looks strong. Their finesse as performers shows in the ease Barlow interacts with the crowd and the engagement members have with each other. Changing instruments effortlessly and parading around stage, not even out of breath it is non abating energy. “December” on the album is a melancholic ballad, but tonight they cranked up the speed and volume. Never has a crowd been happier to dance and raise their fists to a song of heartbreak.

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Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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The band hints at a new album coming soon, and possibly a return in the not so distant future. News that is ecstatically received by all. Barlow mentions the many Australian friends they enjoy visiting, and to the surprise and delight of the crowd who should join him on stage for closing track “In Bloom” but Floreani of Trophy Eyes.

There’s something magical about hundreds of voices singing in elated unison. You know each person has sung “In Bloom” in the car, in bedrooms or blasted through headphones countless times, and tonight they get to belt it out with frontman from two of their favourite bands. What a way to finish up a truly uplifting show. A show made terrific by as much the genuine and humble bands, as the supportive crowd.

Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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Check out Len Panecki’s (@lenpanecki) full gallery of this event HERE

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Follow NECK DEEP
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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Neck Deep Melbourne 2023 / Photo – @lenpanecki

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Press Release 9th August 2023 (below) HERE

NECK DEEP
return with new single
and music video
‘TAKE ME WITH YOU’

Stream Now

Watch The Music Video Now

Australian Headline Tour
this September
with special guest
YOURS TRULY

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NECK DEEP
with special guest
YOURS TRULY

THE FORUM, MELBOURNE
TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SELLING FAST

ROUNDHOUSE, SYDNEY
THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

METROPOLIS FREMANTLE, FREMANTLE
MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Tickets are on sale NOW!   

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au

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AMNPLIFY – DB