Neck Deep in Birmingham
As part of their “Life’s Not Out To Get You” 10-Year Anniversary Tour, Neck Deep took over the O2 Institute in Birmingham and they brought pop punk insanity with them. Kicking off the evening was Anxious, a spirited band hailing from Connecticut. Their set was a mix of passion and raw energy, captivating most of the audience despite a few rough patches. You could see the confidence building as they played, and their enthusiasm was infectious. This was the start of 3 absolute whirlwinds on stage.
Next up was Boston Manor - a delight for anyone who has never seen them before (and those who have as well to be fair). This band truly never misses a beat, showcasing their honed skills with a performance that had everyone buzzing. Frontman Henry engaged the crowd with his signature charm, even playfully urging them to “get closer, I wanna smell your breath!” After noting that the Birmingham crowd was the weakest of the tour, a clever call for a boost in energy left the crowd with no choice but to follow commands. They shook off their lethargy and the energy skyrocketed during “Halo.” While it seemed the audience was more nostalgic for the older stuff than the latest tracks, the band rolled with it like pros. When Henry announced their upcoming hibernation, the cold reception told them everything - we want more Boston Manor please!
The crowd had been saving their energy for the moment Neck Deep came on stage. From the first note, they unleashed a wave of excitement. ND have worked hard to climb to the top, and their love for the music radiated through the packed venue. The Institute's main room quickly became hotter than the sun. The band kicked things off with some deep cuts from their album, separating the true fans from the “I-just-came-for-the-hits” crowd but no one could resist joining in for “Can’t Kick Up the Roots,” which was easily the loudest song of the night. Watching the crowd surfers alone was honestly exhausting. Front man Ben Barlow quickly discovers that his turn at crowd diving was a massive mistake as this knackered Brummy bunch struggle to keep him above them (though his ability to hold his voice while being manhandled to sh*t is impressive to say the least)
As the night drew to a close, Neck Deep’s performance culminated in the classic “In Bloom,” a perfect choice to wrap up the evening and once again planting themselves an absolute testament to the power of live pop punk.
Written and Photographed by Hope Small - Portfolio
