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ALBUM REVIEW: "The Peace & The Panic" by Neck Deep

   Welsh pop-punk group Neck Deep's third full-length album is another really strong offering of instantly singable tracks, and a reminder to me that pop-punk can be interesting when done right. Having said this, The Peace & The Panic is a slight step down from the excellent Life's Not Out To Get You overall, despite some of the band's best tracks being on this new album. "Happy Judgement Day", "In Bloom" and "Don't Wait" (which features a slightly less exciting than was hoped feature from Architects' Sam Carter) are all fantastic, and "Where Do We Go When We Go" finishes the record with probably my favourite of the eleven songs. There is a slight sonic change to be heard on this new album, with a change in guitarist. A lot has happened to the band in between album cycles, including singer Ben Barlow's father passing, so it is no surprise that this is not the same Neck Deep we heard on Life's Not Out To Get You. With the forward motion I found a slight dip in overall quality; the deeper cuts don't hold up to the same scrutiny as they did on LNOTGY. It's still a great pop-punk record, though; it sounds great, there are innumerable catchy choruses, and enough change in sound while sticking to their guns.

   Favourite Songs: In Bloom and Where Do We Go When We Go

    Least Favourite Song: Parachute

   Rating: C+

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