After years away, a hiatus that felt almost definitive, and a series of uncertainties about the band’s future, The Neighbourhood returns with the album (((((ultraSOUND))))), attempting to balance nostalgia, maturity, and reconstruction. Surrounded by both anticipation and doubt, the record marks a moment in which the band needs to prove not only that it still exists, but that it has something meaningful to say after all this time.
The comeback isn’t simple. The long break left fans torn between missing the band and feeling like maybe their cycle had already wrapped up. There were internal changes, emotional burnout, and a real struggle to reorganize their identity. That’s why the new album doesn’t arrive just as a bunch of tracks, but as an effort to reintroduce themselves — almost like a reunion between the band and the fans, that moment of “hey, are we still in this together?”, full of expectation, nostalgia, and a little bit of butterflies.
Before the album dropped, the vibe among fans was a mix of anxiety and cautious excitement. The previews of “Private”, “OMG”, and “Lovebomb” got everyone feeling pretty hopeful, especially because many pointed out what seemed like a throwback to the band’s classic sound, but with a refreshed twist. At the same time, some fans were worried the album might follow the inconsistency of Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, which took a while to fully click with the audience. A part of the fandom also felt a bit uneasy about certain personal issues surrounding the band, which definitely influenced the pre-release mood. Still, the dominant expectation was figuring out who The Neighbourhood would be in 2025.
Private
Opens the new era as a solid and instantly recognizable single. The airy atmosphere, smooth vocals, and steady beat bring back that classic “NBHD DNA” fans always talk about. The lyrics about emotional distance fit perfectly with the band’s hiatus and work as a quiet reintroduction. Fans online say “Private” is full-on iconic and hits different in the best way, lowkey reminding longtime listeners why they fell in love with the band.
OMG
Leans into a more pop, accessible sound with light synths and a super catchy chorus. It keeps the emotional vulnerability without overdoing it, giving strong fan-fav energy. People have been saying it’s the catchiest drop of this era, the kind of song that stays in your head forever, and even with its pop feel, it keeps thats softness NHBD signature, making it an easy no-skip.
Lovebomb
Dives deeper into emotional drama with dense production and layered textures that echo the Wiped Out! era. Fans are calling it kinda wild in the best way. There’s also a subtle 2000s emo/alt-rock vibe, with slightly crunchy guitars and emotionally charged vocals that give a nostalgic, yet fresh feeling. Emotionally, it’s raw and huge, and many say it’s the track that pulls you into the band’s darker, more sentimental side.
Mute
Explores a less predictable direction, with clipped percussion and restrained vocals, giving it an experimental feel. That’s exactly why it splits the fandom: some love it, others think it’s a little odd. People keep calling “Mute” the love it or skip it track of the album. Still, the introspective vibe and risk-taking production make it one of the most unique moments on the record.
Stupid Boy
Stands out mainly for its lyrics, diving into masculinity, guilt and shame, with surprising maturity. The chorus builds naturally and the storytelling hits hard. Fans who focus on lyrics are calling it one of the strongest tracks. Online, people say it’s so relatable it hurts, which makes it a definite standout.
Hula Girl
Brings a lighter, almost sunny moment with a 2010s indie-pop vibe. It works as a breather on the album, with a chill groove that fans are lowkey obsessed with. Even if it’s not the strongest track, people keep saying it’s perfect for just vibing, and it makes the listener feel more relaxed and effortless. It doesn’t fight for attention but helps the album flow naturally.
Lil Ol Me
Surprises with a distorted, almost psychedelic ending that fans praise as bold and unexpected. The lyrics feel like a personal outburst, and that messy, emotional explosion at the end is one of the most talked-about parts. It’s really raw, with a subtle emo/alt-rock 2000s edge in the guitars and vocal angst that makes it nostalgic yet fresh. Fans are saying it’s next-level intense and one of the most interesting tracks.
Mama Drama
Touches on emotional exhaustion and unresolved tension. It feels like someone finally setting boundaries after carrying too much for too long. People online say it sounds painfully real and full-on main character energy, especially the weary delivery in the vocals. It’s heavy, which is exactly why it resonates with listeners who’ve been through burnout vibes.
Zombie
Talks about feeling stuck in a loop, moving through something that should’ve ended but still follows you around. The repetitive structure and muted emotion create that numb vibe fans keep pointing out. A lot of people describe it as sad but honest, the kind of song that really lands on a random night when you’re just thinking too much.
Crushed
Dives into pressure, expectations and the weight of disappointment. It sounds like someone trying to breathe again after being pushed way past their limit. Fans say “Crushed” hits emotionally fast, because the lyrics feel too real. It’s one of the most talked-about tracks for people who relate to the feeling of trying to hold it together under pressure. No skipping energy for real.
The soul of the album
Overall, (((((ultraSOUND)))))) is a solid, coherent, and honest album. It’s not a radical reinvention, and yeah, sometimes it plays it a little too safe, but it delivers exactly what fans were hoping for: a melancholic atmosphere, intimate lyrics, and consistent production. The strongest moments are definitely the ones where the band takes risks, while the more classic tracks work well without really surprising anyone. The record feels like a transition — a careful restart that doesn’t close any doors, but instead opens up a bunch of possibilities.
For the audience, the album pretty much confirms that The Neighbourhood is actually back. For critics, it suggests that the band’s real evolution might only be getting started. As an entry point into this new era (((((ultraSOUND)))))) does its job and leaves room for bolder moves in the future.
And honestly? In my opinion, the album comes through as a comeback that feels genuine. It’s not trying too hard or pretending to be something huge — it’s more like the band saying, “we’re here, and we’re rebuilding.” Some tracks totally deliver, others feel more toned down, but together they make sense as this new phase. It’s the kind of project that doesn’t scream for attention, but sticks with you once you sit with it.
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The article above was edited by Eloá Costa.
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