The - Hard EP

The Neighbourhood
Hard EP
2017
Spotify

Some bands are total experts at evoking that slippery vibe. Glass Animals springs to mind, Slenderbodies is another and it's a style The Neighbourhood capture right away. The muted bassline percusses as a half sung half rapped delivery emerges. IT feels a bit sinister, but in a way you want to follow along. They suck you right in on a deep dive but instead of a watery feel this is more gritty, a stronger sense of being grounded on earth. It is sort of like Phny Ppl but less straight up hip hop and still maintains an aggressive stance. The production really takes hold of you on "Noise" where the drums seem to beat with such fervor  but then the chorus turns into this almost uplifting anthem. The lyrics also suck you in about self doubt and wanting to be different. Everything is so unexpected with surprises at every turn.

"24/7" verges on euphoric once the stellar electropop chorus drops. Which leads us to the most disappointing part of the record, "Sadderdaze". The entire album builds so much good will with nary a misstep, but then this track throws you all off kilter. It's odd, plucky and really kind of childish. The theme is overwrought beyond belief and the choral piece is pitchy as fuck. You would think an album this gritty and slick would not have a place for this kind of track, but for some reason it's here and it sucks. I was all in on this thing, and honestly you should be too, because four out of five ain't bad.

7.9 out of 10