It’s Friday night at Birmingham’s O2 academy and we are witnessing Welsh pop-punk rockers - Neck Deep, et al., perform on the first night of their sold out Dumbstruck Dumbfuck 2025 UK tour with supports The Wonder Years and One Step Closer.
Charged with the all-important duty of kicking off the proceedings and setting the pace on this opening night of a much-anticipated tour, are Pennsylvania’s - One Step Closer, a band who have been making waves since their inception in 2016 and are tonight delivering their brand of melodic hardcore punk. Their presence is masterful; commanding the crowds attention from the moment they took the stage. The band’s aggressive style and raw energy quickly got the crowd moving. Vocalist Ryan Savitski tantalizingly barked, “Don’t be a fucking pussy!” before they tear into “Blur My Memory”, with some of the crowd feeling hedonistically compelled to dive into the pit.
One Step Closer's distinct sound blends traditional hardcore elements with a more modern edge that gives their music an emotional punch while still maintaining that intense, all-important energy. Their set comprised songs relating to emotional themes of alienation, self-doubt, and personal growth; all delivered in a fast, heavy, and aggressive musical style. It was clear that these sensual elements resonated deeply with the crowd whilst monitoring their animated facial contortions as they vehemently sang along. Tracks like "Leap Years" and "Dark Blue" showcased the band’s ability to build anthemic choruses during the breakdowns, and it didn’t take long for the crowd to get behind them, moshing and shouting along to every word. One Step Closer showed their natural prowess in owning the stage, rousing the crowd, and suitably creating the buzz that remained throughout the show.
Next up, another Pennsylvanian band, active since 2005. The Wonder Years, a band known for their emotive, storytelling lyrics and their ability to balance personal introspection with a roisterous, punk-rock sound. The boys took Neck Deep on their first ever pop-punk tour back in 2013, Lead singer Dan Campbell beamed throughout with a massive grin calling on Birmingham to sing with him. Talking between songs about the inspiration behind some of the band’s lyrics, making the performance feel like a shared experience rather than just a concert.
One of the standout moments was the band’s performance of "I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral", which felt almost anthemic, with everyone in the venue shouting the chorus in unison. The crowd’s reaction was a testament to how well The Wonder Years connects with their fans. The band’s set was a masterclass in pacing and emotional range, shifting from moments of raw intensity to quieter, more reflective songs that allowed the crowd to catch their breath before diving back into the chaos.
The joy in the room spikes with eager anticipation as multi-award winners Neck Deep finally take to the stage, bouncing out to the tour's nominal track “Dumbstruck Dumbfuck” as they work the stage, confetti cannons mark the start of a night of celebration. Since their self-titled album dropped last year, Neck Deep have kept themselves very busy, not least trekking across Europe on Sum 41's final stint. From the moment the lights went down the venue was filled with the sound of thousands of voices singing along to every word, and the connection between the band and the crowd was electric.
Frontman Ben Barlow made sure to engage with the audience, constantly thanking them for their support and interacting with fans throughout the set. After their classic, balladic but heavy “December”, they come back with a mighty encore, spanning three belters, finishing off with fan favourite “In Bloom”. With all the energy and enthusiasm you’d expect from one of pop-punk’s biggest acts, the band’s mix of catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and high-energy punk-rock sound made for a perfect headliner, and they delivered one of the most exciting and electric performances of the night. Fans left knowing they had witnessed something special, a night that perfectly captured the spirit of punk rock. Each band brought their own unique flavour to the table; creating a diverse yet cohesive show that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. Whether it was One Step Closer’s hardcore aggression, The Wonder Years’ emotional storytelling, or Neck Deep’s anthemic punk-rock, the show delivered in every way.
Words and Photos: Kieran Atkinson
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