The Neighbourhood // I Love You

The Neighbourhood are certainly an odd band. They have a snazzy modern black and white website. They look like early Smiths (or at least are trying to in an LA way), they swear in their songs with relaxed abandon but not in a metal rock way, they have a song called Sweater Weather, and they have just released their debut album. It's a traditional three-piece band; the thing is it's very difficult for me to describe what kind of music it is. It sounds like Justin Timberlake. It sounds like Johnny Hates Jazz. It sounds like The Kooks. It sounds like A Ha. It sounds like Bon Jovi Lite. The lyrics are quite painfully emo; "I want you to touch me there, make me feel like I am breathing, feel like I am human.." (sheesh). I don't think it knows what it's aiming for really; for once I am unable to label, labelling fans. Because of this, I'm not sure I like it. It's difficult to understand where a band is coming from when you can't identify their influences, or when they seem to have too many influences on their own work. There are 12 songs here, all of which are very different from each other, and there are a few signs of greatness, the singer has some beautiful phrasing and tone, but I think they need a lot more time and practice before they end up being the possibly good band they good be. A weak review I know...but if the cap fits??? 3/10 Lizz