(((((ultraSOUND))))) is another ultra success for The Neighbourhood

By Staff Writer Fiona Yang

Pictured vividly through film noir aesthetic, The Neighbourhood, a California alternative-indie rock band, released its fifth studio album (((((ultraSOUND))))).  This album was released on November 14, and it was The Neighbourhood’s first release after its three year hiatus. Distinguished by its signature upside down house logo, the band explores the topics of navigating uncertainties, identifying faults, and overcoming emotional hardships through beautifully written lyrics and well thought out production. 

Compared to The Neighbourhood’s previous works, such as  hit songs “Sweater Weather” and “Daddy Issues”—both of which have gone viral on social media—(((((ultraSOUND)))))’s tracks carries forward a legacy of masterful lyricism, which reflect the intrinsic complexity of love and relationships, particularly between family and romantic lovers. “Holy Ghost” conveys the intense despair of relying too heavily on another person as lead singer Jesse Rutherford sings, “‘Cause I know what it feels like / To feel alone / … Oh, I feel like a ghost.” His loneliness revisits themes mentioned in the band’s 2018 release The Neighbourhood, which communicate feelings of dejection and emotional isolation. In the painstakingly heart-wrenching lyrics of “Lovebomb,” Rutherford further builds on the band’s recurring topics of heartbreak and frustration: “You just gotta say a few magic words / … Say it to me, babe, I wanna break the curse.” The thematic callback throughout The Neighbourhood’s discography uniquely sets it apart from other alternative rock bands, and (((((ultraSOUND))))) yet again showcases The Neighbourhood’s heartfelt and artistic lyricism. 

Another impressive attribute in (((((ultraSOUND))))) is the production, which has matured significantly during the band’s hiatus. Among fifteen tracks in the album, “Stupid Boy” establishes itself as one of (((((ultraSOUND)))))’s most memorable. The song features Rutherford’s resigned iterations of  “Joke’s on you, stupid boy” which slowly climax as he shifts his voice into angry tones, mirroring intense frustration. This discontentment is further amplified with the expert mixing of chaotic guitar chords and sinister drum beats. “Rabbit” opens with more than 40 seconds of instrumental guitars, and combined with The Neighbourhood’s iconic screaming effect in the background and sad guitar twangs, the song basks in a  melancholy and desperate atmosphere. The song’s alternating beats and a steady, delicate vocal rhythm reveal confusion and internal heartbreak to listeners. The Neighbourhood’s evocative and multi-layered production allows listeners to closely relate to the songs on a higher level than before. 

(((((ultraSOUND))))) marks another success in The Neighbourhood’s discography. Although the band released this album after several years of inactivity, its songs created large waves in music, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number 155, the band’s first album on the charts since The Neighbourhood seven years ago. With gut-wrenching emotional expression and improved production, The Neighbourhood maintains its popularity and success in the alternative rock genre.