It was an electrifying night at Stage AE as fans  packed in tight for Neck Deep, known for their energetic pop-punk anthems and captivating live performances. Hailing from Wales, Neck Deep has steadily risen in prominence within the pop-punk scene since their formation in 2012. With a discography that resonates with classic punk themes such as rebellion, self-discovery, and heartbreak, they have garnered a devoted following worldwide. Coming to the states promoting their newest self-titled album, the night was bound to be non-stop pop-punk fun.

Before Neck Deep took the stage, the crowd was treated to a diverse lineup of talented bands, each bringing their own unique energy to the show. Higher Power kicked off the night and electrified the audience with their dynamic performance, showcasing their latest single “Absolute Bloom” and leaving concert-goers eager for more. Their blend of hardcore punk and metalcore elements set an invigorating tone for the evening.

Following Higher Power, Bearings took the stage, captivating fans with their melodic hooks and introspective lyrics. Drawing from their latest album, “The Best Part About Being Human,” Bearings delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated with fans on a personal level. Their infectious energy and tight musicianship left a lasting impression, while perfectly hyping up the crowd for what was still to come.

As the night progressed, Drain unleashed a whirlwind of raw intensity upon the crowd right from the start, with lead singer Sammy Ciaramitaro almost immediately hopping down from the stage to incite chaos and camaraderie among concert-goers. With this sort of intimacy being rare at such a large venue, fans were drawn in to the personal performance.

The hardcore punk jams alongside Ciaramitaro’s charm got everyone jumping, moshing, and crowdsurfing throughout the entire set. But their performance reached a fever pitch during their final song, where they rallied the crowd to send at least 20 people surfing simultaneously. It was a moment of collective euphoria that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of all things punk.

Amidst the fervor and anticipation, Neck Deep finally took the stage, launching into a relentless barrage of hits that sent the crowd into a frenzy of crowd surfing and moshing. Despite frontman Ben Barlow being a bit under the weather, their performance was nothing short of electrifying, fueled by the unwavering energy of both the band and their dedicated fans.

From the very first notes, it was nonstop moshing and crowdsurfing from fans. Everyone got into the pop punk spirit, and the band was clearly loving every second of it. During “She’s a God,” Barlow made a special request for a girl pit, because obviously women are amazing and deserve their own special moment, a request that was enthusiasticly met and exceeded.

Throughout the set, there was a fantastic back-and-forth dynamic between the band and the audience, with the Barlow playfully bantering with fans and inciting playful rivalries, booing the Penguins in retaliationto fans booing his beloved Manchester football team, and going so far as to threaten to not have an encore if his team got booed again. But it’s all in the typical pop-punk cheekiness, as Neck Deep did indeed give a hell of an encore, with added feistiness fueled by true punk spirit.

As the final notes rang out and the crowdsurfing finally stopped, fans were still salivating for more. The entire show was a thrilling celebration of camaraderie, music, and the power of live performance. Each band brought their own unique energy and style to the stage, contributing to an unforgettable evening that left fans exhilarated and eager for more, and it was clear that this concert would be remembered as a highlight of the year for all who attended.

February 21st, 2024