FIRST LISTEN: NECKO II BY NECKO
- How Good! Chronicles
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Aussie rock outfit NECKO return sharper, louder, and more self-assured than ever with NECKO II. If their debut hinted at potential, this second EP feels like a statement of intent — a band locking into their identity and pushing their sound with grit and confidence. Their 2nd EP is a physical and spiritual collection of NECKO I & II.
A Bigger, Heavier Sound
From the opening track of their smashing chart hit "You Got What I Want" , NECKO II leans into thick, overdriven guitars and punchy, live-sounding drums. The production has weight without feeling over-polished. There’s a rawness that keeps things urgent — Alek's riffs hit hard, Alex's basslines rumble underneath, and Reno's drums drive everything forward with momentum.
The guitar work stands out across the EP. There’s a clear evolution here: tighter arrangements, more dynamic shifts, and riffs that feel both catchy and aggressive. It’s the kind of guitar tone that sounds massive on record but built for sweaty live rooms.
Vocals with Bite and Melody
Vocally, there’s a noticeable step up. The performances feel more controlled but still emotionally charged. Hooks land harder, choruses feel bigger, and there’s a grit in the delivery that matches the instrumentals perfectly. Instead of just riding the riffs, the vocals now feel central to the songs’ identity.
Songwriting Growth
Where NECKO II really succeeds is in its structure. The tracks don’t just blast through at one volume — they build, drop, and explode in the right places. There’s more breathing room, more tension-and-release. That maturity makes the EP feel cohesive rather than just a collection of heavy tracks.
Lyrically, there’s a mix of frustration, defiance, and reflection. It’s not overcomplicated, but it’s honest — and that authenticity suits the band’s style.
Final Verdict
NECKO II feels like a turning point. It’s louder, tighter, and more confident than its predecessor — the sound of a band stepping up rather than playing it safe. If this is the direction NECKO are heading, they’re building toward something seriously powerful.
Rating: 9/10
Raw, riff-heavy, and built for the stage.
Sydneysiders will be able to listen and purchase NECKO II on CD and Vinyl at a pre release party at Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville on the 11th of April followed by a live performance on the 15th of May at the Metro Social supported by Wicked Things and Boys At The Back
Tickets on sale for the Metro below :
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