Covering everything from aliens to breakups, Neck Deep knows how to write a pop-punk song. Neck Deep has been a staple band in pop-punk for around a decade now, and with their latest track they keep their hot streak going. The group hails from the country of Wales and has put out some of the most genre-defining projects in pop-punk. “It Won’t Be Like This Forever” was released on Sept. 28, 2023, and is one of the many singles released for their upcoming self-titled album Neck Deep. The track goes back to the roots of the band’s sound: pure pop-punk.
Neck Deep has experimented with some softer and more easygoing music in the past, and this song seeks to find a balance between the two sounds. It’s relaxed with enough energy and angst to keep it feeling like their most beloved music. Beginning with a smooth guitar lick accompanied by calming vocals, it preps the listener for a wild ride.
Within seconds, the song is flipped from a ballad to a pop-punk anthem. Neck Deep is nothing short of electric. Lead singer Ben Barlow’s high-pitched, powerful voice brings so much vibrance to the music, gluing all the sounds together and giving it the feeling of a song that belongs in a 2000s coming of age movie. The track is in your face, not hiding anything with the lyrics; it’s a pop-punk tune about heartbreak. It may be a little cliché in terms of pop-punk tropes, but it’s done so well. It is so catchy, with the chorus leaving listeners wanting to listen all day:
“You know, it won’t be like this /
It won’t be like this forever /
Only your kiss could stop the loneliness from sinking in /
You know, it won’t be like this /
It can’t be like this forever /
Only your kiss could stop the loneliness from sinking in, yeah!”
Neck Deep has continuously put out pure quality whenever they release a song; you can tell how passionate they are about their craft. The band continues to evolve, still willing to try out new sounds and steer in new directions. This song is nothing short of the bar held high by Neck Deep; it’s a phenomenal addition to their already acclaimed catalog of music. “It Won’t Be Like This Forever” is pop-punk in its purest form and will surely catch your ear for days on end.
