SPOTLIGHT: THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

'What do they sound like?' I've been plagued by this question time after time when someone asks of my opinion on a band. Sometimes it's easier to just listen and enjoy the mystery of music's ability to bring you elsewhere (familiar or unknown). Today's spotlight brings us to Cali, a hot spot for music this year with bands like Haim and Wildcat! Wildcat! Joining the ranks of the West's dominating bands is The Neighbourhood, a group that have fallen victim to the following genres: 'Gangsta Nancy Sinatra' and 'post-Lana-Del-Rey-Indie' (is it not too soon for that, people?). Jump below for more back story and a slew of awesome treats.

To be fair, the descriptions do hold some truth. The Neighbourhood share sonic influences found in the late sixties (through seventies), with the thin guitar twangs and slow, smokey rhythms. But it may be wise to let the band breathe before putting them in a box filled with Pumped Up Kicks, Blue Jeans and White Shirts. Plus there is something endearing about this band's sound. Maybe it's their lo fi recordings or the barely melodic hooks that tease the boundaries of hip-hop. Whatever it is, It's tough to put a finger on it, especially because they are so young. And if you ask someone what they sound like, don't be turned off if the response seems vague. Perhaps it's not them having few words, but rather them having the caution in selecting the right ones to do the band justice.

Ok, the treats: stream, watch, download and buy tickets to The Neighbourhood below!

Top tracks:
'Sweater Weather,' with it's strange title, may be your next summer jam.
'Female Robbery' is a fuzzy, lyric-driven tune backed by great musicians (video further down).
'Wires' is a smooth, cool track that could score many film noir works. 

Download 
the EP I'm Sorry... here.

Live
Catch them at their East coast debut in August, with Glassland (BK) ticket's here, and Webster Hall (Manhattan) tickets here.