Immediate wide acclaim can polarize bands and cause them to give way. Particular bands are then left with the intimidating task of securing comparatively greater praise. This is the same case for British hopefuls Neck Deep, who have secured a wealthy name after taking over the forefront of the pop punk scene last year with Rain In July. Neck Deep seeks to now capitalise on the praise with their second effort and three-track EP.
A History Of Bad Decisions opens with Up In Smoke which is a classic triumphant opener, offering a glimpse into a refined sound within Neck Deep. Up In Smoke barrages through the doors of doubt. Conviction is evident as vocalist Ben Barlow tremors with a mixture of angst and melody as he says “I had it all but inside I was drowning. Now I can feel the pressure...“. Up In Smoke is riddled with the influence of Crucial Dudes as the overwhelming wall of guitars covers listeners.
Tables Turned then starts off with vocalist Ben Barlow’s blunt words of “I felt the weather getting better, but I couldn’t feel my feet. I always felt so cold in your company...” before going into bouncy a riff and counter-melody that perch gracefully in the listener's head. In Tables Turned Neck Deep reach a level of musicianship which accentuates the unique presence amongst contemporaries. Tables Turned is the brightest moment showing a level of artistry that surpasses previous effort Rain in July. As the song launches into the noodly Midwestern emo riff the intricacies present are incredible.
A History Of Bad Decisions closes with Head To The Ground, which allows the band to retreat to an acoustic setting, that the band evidently has shown they excel in previously. Head To The Ground never ceases to drop back from the momentum it pursues as it transitions into an forceful and anthemic last refrain of “I hope I don’t drag you down, because I’m starting to feel alright next to you and I hope this can all work out because I feel like myself when I’m running my head to the ground...”.
A History Of Bad Decisions acts as a confer, offering glimpses into a band showing no signs of being a mere overnight success and more steadfast on their way to even greater heights.
Tracklist:
1. Up In Smoke
2. Tables Turned
3. Head To The Ground
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
