The Neighbourhood – To Imagine EP

Blurring Genre Lines

When The Neighbourhood surprise-released their five-song EP Hard in September of last year, it signaled a change into a more progressive, dark and electronic sound for the band. The alternative rock band from California’s last full-length was their sophomore album Wiped Out! in 2015. Now, on To Imagine, they combine slick electronic beats with emotional but still edge-y vocal performances, courtesy of singer Jesse Rutherford. The Neighbourhood has been known for their moody, pop-influenced sound and this EP takes what they do best and shows off a grittier side of them.

Lyrically, this EP lacks a certain depth as most of the songs revolve around tired romantic themes. Similar to the previous EP, Rutherford finds himself again in a vulnerable state and looking for reassurance on songs like “Scary Love” where he sings, “No one has ever cared for me as much as you do” and on “Compass,” he says, “You’re my only compass / I might get lost without you.”

The first track “Dust” begins with a thudding bassline accompanied by distorted samples flown in. From this ominous introduction, Rutherford’s plodding vocals arrive describing an apocalyptic scene. The unexpected dynamics between the sections of the dry auto-tuned vocals before the massive choruses make up the most interesting aspect of the song.

“Scary Love,” a single the band released when announcing this EP, is about Rutherford’s relationship doubts. Over a punchy beat that has a new wave feel, he sings, “You’re too pretty for me / Baby, I know it’s true.” Heavy on the synthesizers and reverb on his vocals, the track gives off a dark and seductive energy.

On “Heaven,” Rutherford employs a sort of melodic rapping that’s reminiscent of singer Blackbear’s style. The production sounds like a mix of a lot of trending sounds such as the spooky synth lines and electro/R&B drums. The last two tracks are somewhat forgettable given their similar structure to the previous ones and bland melodies.

Credit is due for The Neighbourhood in challenging the ideas of what an alternative rock band can sound like. That being said, To Imagine fits snugly in today’s trendy musical landscape without making too much noise.