If you have not heard of them then you need to start listening ASAP because they are amazing. After their sophomore album, Wiped Out! released in 2015, the band dropped a surprise EP titled Hard on September 21, 2017. (Which for some reason I didn't hear about until this week) The new album, Hard, continues to embrace the dark, and seductive pop ambiance that is key to the Neighborhood's sound.
Since their debut, the NBHD has experimented with different sounds, instruments and vocal effects even enlisting rapper French Montana for a song, all the while successfully upholding their mysterious sound. The band often covers themes of vulnerability in their music and their new EP is no different. They a continues to tackle difficult issues in their five-track composition–hence the EP title while simultaneously creating new and exciting songs.
The EP opens with, “Roll Call,” a slow track that is reminiscent of the band's first album, I Love You. Rutherford sings about a soldier in combat who is forced to kill without question by some unknown entity. This brooding track creates a dreamlike atmosphere perfect for getting lost in. The song is full of distinct bass riffs, vocal echoes, and percussion which sets the tone for the remainder of the album.
The EP then progresses to a more upbeat track, “You Get Me So High”. The band reflects upon the euphoric high being around someone you love. Since the release of the EP, this track has quickly become one of the band's most popular songs and one of mine too.
It is then followed by “Noise”, and “24/7”, two more upbeat songs in comparison to the rest of the EP. Even with the faster drum beats and guitar solos Rutherford still manages to tug on the listener's heartstrings and place them in a dream-like state.
The EP ends with the track “Sadderdaze.” This melancholic track is Rutherford’s reflection of his past and he infuses nostalgic emotions within his lyrics to recognize that things are no longer the same as they once were. In this song, he evaluates exactly who he aspires and refuses to be.
It has been almost two years since The Neighbourhood has released a full-length album and they are now back with new tracks that continue to embody their somber and ominous image. Although the EP is only 18 minutes, I can say that from this small taste I can't wait for their 3rd album to come out.
