California-based five-piece The Neighbourhood have been quick on the rise since Zane Lowe premiered the first track they ever wrote, “Sweater Weather”, in March. I know I’m late to the party on this track, and it’s already a star on Hype Machine, but there’s surely a bunch of listeners unaware of it. Indicative of the track’s immediate likability, The Neighbourhood quickly signed to Columbia after the fanfare surrounding “Sweater Weather”. Certainly impressive for anyone, especially for a bunch of musicians fresh out of high school. One of them graduated recently as last year.
The Neighbourhood’s stylistic direction is cohesive while remaining spontaneous and diverse, touching on the likes of hip-hop and reggae over tropical-tinged variations of pop suitable for mainstream radio play. Lead vocalist Jesse Rutherford started singing and drumming at age 13, and has played in everything from hardcore groups to hip-hop projects since then. His attention to rhythm lends large contributions to the band’s sleek sound. His vocals are somewhat androgynous on “Sweater Weather”, with the sort of high-pitched strut that many pop heroes possesses. When he dashes into the chorus – “‘It’s too cold for you here / And now, so let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater” – it’s easy to detect the band’s pop smarts. Their only release to date is an EP, I’m Sorry…, that can be purchased here. Many have hailed it as one of 2012’s best EPs. With tracks like “Sweater Weather” and “Female Robbery”, I’m inclined to agree.
If you haven’t listened to The Neighbourhood, you’re missing out. Heard ‘Sweater Weather’ and was instantly hooked. They recently dropped the video and I can’t get enough of that either. http://www.vevo.com/watch/x/x/USSM21300246.