Chances are, you'll hear music this summer. On the radio, you have the last Jonas Brother standing, songs about seaside bakeries, those people you thought were one hit wonders, and the latest Calvin/Rihanna track. Those billboard top 100 won't change and eventually you may become bored. Let me introduce you to a different type of boy band whose latest album has a subtle beach theme perfect for the summer sun. The Neighbourhood, written also as the NBHD, is a name you should know but probably don't.
They've released two traditional albums, “I Love You” (2013) and “Wiped Out!” (2015). They have a lead singer and frontman, Jesse Rutherford; two guitarists, Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels; a bassist, Mikey Margott; and a drummer, Brandon Alexander Fried. Unlike bands like NSYNC and One (Two?) Direction(s), having diversely talented members allows them to experiment more, each person bringing an interesting sound. Rutherford has an R&B-inspired voice overlaying on Abel and Fried's hip-hop reminiscent beats. Listening closely, there is an electronic undertone carefully created by the guitarists that will have you questioning whether there is a DJ.
They are indie, though you may recognize their single "Sweater Weather" which rocketed to the top of the alternative rock charts three years ago. The NBHD is also atmospheric rock, a genre arising from neo-psychedelic. Atmospheric music attempts to engage the listener beyond melody and rhythm to work with sonic texture -- mental imagery for your ears. Existential or introspective lyrics add another layer of complexity. The style is often called "transcendent" and "mystical," a softer Jimmie Hendricks.
Allow me to recommend my top ten song picks so that you too can experience their music. Below the text and as a hyperlink, I will post official music videos for the ones released as singles and the best audio ones otherwise.
10. "How," "I Love You" (2013)
It's all in the instruments. The song has a drawn-out introduction into a masterful soundscape to kick off this countdown. To me, it feels like drifting in an echoic ocean -- really capturing the transcendent and mystical aspects of the genre. I think it was the perfect way to not only introduce listeners to the song and album, but also to their entire style. Why not start off this countdown with it as well? Lyrically, the song holds just enough angst to carry the questioning words without being melodramatic. It's vague enough that anyone who has had someone unexpectedly leave can relate.
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9. "Female Robbery," "I Love You" (2013)
The first sound is an ominous church bell which transitions into a guitar that almost sounds like lyrics. Then, all the background noise dissipates so that we can hear the real words. Don't worry, the instruments return periodically. Lyrically, the song has a lot of layers that I'm still uncovering myself. At the end, there's an interesting twist on traditional vocalizations to round out the song. The whole piece is carefully artistic and a wonderful use of understatement. The official music video also uses spoken French with ironically inaccurate English subtitles for any francophone to enjoy.
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8. "Float," "I Love You" (2013)
If "How" is wading into an echoic ocean, then "Float" is drowning in one. Unlike most of their other songs, this piece does not have any slow starts, beginning strong with it's hypnotic soundscape, and ending just as suddenly. The beat is quick and heavy, the brief respites from the kick drum highlighting the melodically-sung lyrics about fearing the future. When, at the very end, the beat stops and a gentle strumming is the only thing to accompany Rutherford's voice, I always realize I've lost track of time. It's like emerging from the soundscape -- floating finally after sinking.
7. "Baby Came Home," "I'm Sorry..." (2013)
This song starts off with a plucky guitar and sounds like a normal R&B song with the iconic soundscapes are only quietly present. This works because, while you quickly understand the song is about a failed relationship, you need to focus to hear why. When you see it, the full body of music disguises it and everything fades -- except for one guitar playing the last unsettling note. The song showcases Rutherford's ability to both carry a tune with his melodic voice and carry emotion with his distinctive style. With that compelling voice emphasized, how could this song not make the list?
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6. "Afraid," "I Love You" (2013) - Explicit
I promise the "explicit" language is one word in the bridge. A song about vulnerability, the lyrics are moody with just the right mixture of resignation and anger to convey the anxiety of feeling self-conscious. This song is musically reliant on a strong, changing tempo and a haunting chorus of guitar-made sound effects. The YouTube video produced for the song is striking, but takes vulnerability to a literal level - viewer beware. I can't listen to this without experiencing gut-wrenching emotions, a reaction I don't usually get from songs targeted at the heart-muscle.
[Note: the music video distorts the track from 2:53 until 3:35, so the studio recording does sound slightly different during those times]
5. "Ferrari," "Wiped Out!" (2015)
If this song was just the first 15 seconds, it would still make my countdown. That echoing guitar followed by the falsetto picking is one of the main sound I associate with the NBHD. The echo screams edgy, but the following falsetto reminds me of steel drums -- evoking the beach. Their sophomore album was about relationships, "Ferrari" specifically detailing a failing one using romantic words. In general, the strong mental imagery augments the echoic aspects to make an immersive song. Those last chords give edginess back to the gentle ending and has me hitting repeat.
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4. "Greetings From Califournia," "Wiped Out!" (2015)
Like most alternative groups, the Neighbourhood changed their style between albums. "Greetings from Califournia" is where the unrepentant introspective atmosphere of "I Love You" met the beach-inspired sounds of "Wiped Out!" -- and I couldn't think of a better musical love child. The free-spirited beats mixing with the edgy lyrics thrown into a subtle soundscape adds up to an instant favorite. Reflective without being totally depressing thanks to the reggae-inspired rhythm, Rutherford's vocals (and very tasteful audio editing) highlight the lyrical themes while blending perfectly with the music.
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3. "Single," "Wiped Out!" (2015)
This song is a legitimate love song and it quickly becomes everything you didn't know you needed from atmospheric rock. Very few NBHD songs fall into the same category; the only similar one is ironically happy, a commentary on loss of innocence ("Alleyways" from "I Love You"). There are no darker themes lurking below the surface or edgy undertones here, however, and the unprecedented divergence serves the track well. Sure, you could misunderstand the lyrics, but the music conveys where the words fail. The guitarist intentionally sliding his fingers on the strings while transitioning brings an intimacy to the song, making it feel acoustic in certain places.
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2. "R.I.P. 2 My Youth," "Wiped Out!" (2015)
Remember when I mentioned hip-hop influences? The prominent percussion overshadows the other instruments like a rap beat for a while, but eventually falls back into its supporting role. The timing behind it is meaningful, the drum fading the most after certain lyrics about taking personal control back, and allows it to sound like the soundscapes off their first album. Of all the heavily hip-hop influenced songs, this one is the best. The song also hits on multiple themes, notably loss of innocence, anxiety, and responsibility, to add a nice level of complexity to the powerful music. Also, I'm partial to clever references like "white lighters" and the wordplay of "being with the stars."
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1. "Wires," "I'm Sorry..." (2013)
Simply put, I get chills when I hear this song. This track starts off simple with some falsetto picking accompanied by a drum beat. The lyrics, sung in different styles to distinguish between reality and thoughts, tell the story of a failing musician's descent into chaos from the view of his succeeding friend. The song carries the darker theme without being overwhelming and creates musical variety within one soundscape. At the end, the vocals and bass quickly fade and the drum kicks and plucky guitar continue just long enough for the last chord to feel like last words. It is the perfect mix between tasteful sound and compelling story that makes it great for any level of appreciation.
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This genre of music is designed so that there is more than one level to enjoy it on. You can put the song on and lose yourself, completely zoning out and feeling the energy. If you're driving or working or simply not interested in the mystical side, you can sing along with the rhythmic vocals. You can have the songs just playing in the background filling the air with their textures as well. While I personally recommend taking the hour to listen to each album as one piece, I'd be happy knowing this great band is getting the recognition they deserve.
Honorable Mentions:
"Sweater Weather," "I Love You" (Everyone already knows this song)
"Say My Name/Cry Me A River" (Not completely original work, but still amazing)
"#icanteven" and "H8M4CH1N3," "#000000 & #FFFFFF" (Collaboration-heavy mix-tape emphasizing hip-hop influences)