Reception for Neck of the Woods was generally positive.[13] Review aggregating website Metacritic, which calculates an average score based on critical reviews, reports that the album scored 69 out of a possible 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[13] Matt Collar of Allmusic awarded the album four out of five stars and stated, "building upon Swoons layered melodicism and once again showcasing lead singer/songwriter Brian Aubert's knack for evocative, introspective lyrics and fiery, multi-dubbed guitar parts, Neck of the Woods is an even more infectious and nuanced affair."[3]Alternative Press journalist Scott Heisel also awarded the album four out of five stars. He expressed that "On Neck of the Woods, Silversun Pickups aren't reliving the ghosts of alt-rock past. Instead, they're helping define the genre's future." He added that the album felt "complete-and essential".[4]
Other reviews were less positive. Pitchfork Media only award the album a 4.8 out of 10, concluding that "Appropriately enough, many of Aubert's lyrics here bristle with restlessness, fatigue and disappointment-- "I'm still waiting," "I'm already bored," "What am I aiming towards/ A fight that never ends," "Nothing's coming"—all of which serve to make Neck of the Woods a concept album about the feeling you get listening to Neck of the Woods".[10]
