The Neighborhood | Hard: Album Review

Artist: The Neighborhood
Album: Hard EP
Release date: Sept. 22nd, 2017

The Los Angeles quintet The Neighborhood dropped their latest EP Hard on Sept. 22. The alternative group was first on the radar back in 2012 with their debut single “Sweater Weather” from their freshman album I Love You.

The standout of the EP is the first song, “Roll Call.” In this track, the listener is transported through a dreamy lo-fi trip paired with the sultry vocals of lead singer Jesse James Rutherford. Half a minute into the song, Rutherford’s hazy croon is supplemented with a languid bass line which accentuates the song’s dynamicism. This song embodies everything The NBHD is known for: experimental alt-rock with a dash of rich R&B vocals.

In “You Get Me So High,” the group pairs dreamy guitar riffs dripping with reverb with breezy drum machine beats. This song deals with the mending of a relationship and longing for the state of bliss that it used to provide. “If we can leave it all behind us / And meet in between / It would get me so high all the time.”

This EP falters in the track “24/7.” It’s too jaunty, which creates confusion when listening to the track. “Just give it some time (Ooo) / You can hit my line 24/7, 24/7, 24/7,” Rutherford sings. The song closes with sounds of a clock ticking, further questioning its efficacy. Consequently, the lyrics don’t redeem the disorienting quality of the track.

With this EP fans will enjoy re-encountering the melodic moody vibes this quintet has consistently provided and mastered. Just be sure to skip song #4.

Rate: 3/5 Stars