A career spanning set and a great night in Manchester was had by all in attendance.
With their new self-titled album, Neck Deep have identified their lane, and crashed through the genre’s median barrier to get back into it. It’s a welcome return to form for one of pop-punk’s leading lights. Although it’s just begun, this is sure to be a contender for pop-punk album of 2024.
Even if 'SC\SSRS' is just a one-off release from Taproot, it’s an essential one for fans. While it definitely ranks highly among the band’s back catalogue, fans of the recent nu-metal revival, and of heavy music in general will also find something to love on here.
The title of Yellowcard’s new EP, 'Childhood Eyes', couldn’t be more appropriate. Their first new release since a surprise return last year sees the pop-punk veterans revisiting the sounds of their past, to make something contemporary, and ultimately quite brilliant. This is a true statement of intent, and an excellent way to set expectations for this most unlikely of comebacks.
'Thanks But No Thanks' is a short but sweet blast of gravelly-voiced, emotional punk-rock. Much like their obvious influence The Menzingers, their pursuit of connection has led them to specialise in a gruff, melancholic brand of nostalgia.
If you’re not yet convinced by Real Friends, this will do little to change your mind. However, long-time fans will love this, and this collection of songs will almost certainly find its way into their playlists for years to come.
While nu-metal is currently having another moment in the sun, you get the feeling that Graphic Nature would be making this kind of music anyway. Whether the band stick with this style in future, or explore different sounds, if they approach it with the same directness, passion and creativity as they have on their debut, then the future is very bright indeed.