(((((ultraSOUND)))))

Album ∙ Rock ∙ 2025

The Neighbourhood

The November 2025 release of The Neighbourhood’s (((((ultraSOUND)))))) is more than just a new album; it is a profound declaration of artistic survival and reinvention. Following a public hiatus and several years of internal and external struggles, this record serves as the band’s definitive “next chapter,” explicitly marking a return to the moody, alternative rock core that first captivated audiences a decade ago. It reconciles the band’s signature California indie melancholia with a darker, grittier sonic palette, making it arguably their most emotionally resonant and compositionally mature work to date. The album’s success lies in its ability to scan the depths of personal and collective vulnerability, much like the medical technology its title references. 

The period leading up to (((((ultraSOUND)))))) was defined by the band’s necessary three-year break, which frontman Jesse Rutherford described as a confrontation with life outside the band. This intensely personal experience permeates the record’s 15 tracks, offering listeners intimate and self-aware lyrical landscapes focused on themes of disillusionment, relationship turmoil, and the difficulty of navigating modern adulthood. Early singles like "Lovebomb," which details the risk of emotional over-commitment, and the gritty, vocal-tape-infused "Private," showcase an unvarnished honesty. The album uses these intensely human stories as its foundation, creating an atmosphere that is both intensely dark and surprisingly cathartic. 

Sonically, (((((ultraSOUND)))))) leans heavily into the raw energy of ‘90s alternative rock, a significant departure from the polished, trap-infused pop experiments of their Chip Chrome era. The production weaves delicate yet forceful arrangements, layering moody bass lines with echoing, gritty guitars that nod to Brit-pop while incorporating subtle elements of grunge and psychedelic rock. This creates a soundscape that feels simultaneously nostalgic and refreshingly evolved. Tracks like “Rabbit” and “Mute” are cited as perfect examples of this synthesis, blending tight, rhythm-section-driven rock with Rutherford’s trademark crooning, tenor delivery. The result is a brooding collection that truly earns its rock classification. 

Ultimately, (((((ultraSOUND)))))) succeeds because it channels the pressure of a high-stakes reunion into focused, compelling music. It’s an album about facing one’s shadows and coming out with a sound that is clearer, sharper, and more resilient than before. For fans who missed the edge of their early work, this record is a satisfying, defining rock statement that solidifies The Neighbourhood’s continued relevance in the contemporary music landscape.