STARS: 4.5/5

California-based alternative rock band The Neighbourhood’s five-song EP entitled “Hard,” brings a familiar sound to listeners while showing signs of maturity in its sound.

The release comes two years after its latest full-length album. The band rocks and rolls to synth beats and lead singer Jesse Rutherford’s breathy vocals over the five tracks.

The lead track “Roll Call” showcases The Neighbourhood’s usual easygoing vibe, but the band explores electronic sounds to accompany slow drums and guitar on the song. With lyrics like,  “I wanna walk like me, I wanna talk like me, No I don’t wanna be another,” listeners are made aware early on that The Neighbourhood’s intentions with this EP are to showcase their talents in the way they want. 

The second track, “You Get Me So High,” follows the same sound pattern as 2013 smash hit “Sweater Weather.” Though not entirely the same, the familiar sound reels the audience in and keeps them interested.

The third song on the EP, entitled “Noise,” is perhaps the most different stylistically from the band’s classic sound, with a heavy beat commanding the foreground. Rutherford’s vocals are pushed to the background in an unusual way, but the track works to shape the EP in to the experimental project it is. 

“24/7” claims the fourth spot on the roster, but is in no way a lesser track. The quick synth beats and vague 8-bit noise in the backtrack picks up the pace of the EP as a whole. The song shows off Rutherford’s voice talents with longer notes and short-spoken word bursts along with his usual breathy croon.

The EP closes out with “Sadderdaze.” With background strings and celestial noises, the track is almost surreal for the listener. The final words of the EP bring feelings of nostalgia and sadness to the track. 

In just 18 minutes, The Neighbourhood establishes itself again in the alternative rock genre. With its signature moody sound, “Hard” makes the listener beg for more while pressing the repeat button as soon as the last song is finished.