Mixed Signals: A Review of ((((ultraSOUND))))

By: Zaara Hisamuddin

When The Neighbourhood announced they were going on a hiatus in 2021, many fans like me were devastated. I was nervous that it would become another One Direction situation and that they would never return to the stage. You can imagine my excitement when I heard they were releasing a brand new album, "(((((ultraSOUND)))))," on November 14th–a perfect way to complete autumn. They even pre-released three songs: Private, OMG, and Lovebomb. While I thought Lovebomb was okay, I enjoyed the upbeat vibe of OMG, and, as soon as I heard Private, I already recognized the familiar indie-rock sound that The Neighbourhood practically owns. These three teasers had me on the edge of my seat for the new album. 

I enjoyed the album overall, but it's definitely not my favorite. It was honestly a little underwhelming for being their first album since their four-year break. I also felt that this album was the epitome of  "playing it safe." There was definitely some more room to experiment with styles and rhythms, and I felt that a lot of songs on the album seemed a bit formulaic. Let's get the rough stuff out of the way first and discuss my least favorite songs on the album: Planet, Holy Ghost, Crushed, and Mute. While I wouldn't say I HATE any songs, these are the songs I would most likely skip if I played the album on the way to school. I thought that Planet and Holy Ghost were a bit boring or slow. The songs that I liked but didn't LOVE: Lovebomb, Lil Ol Me, Rabbit, and Tides. Finally, the songs that I loved are: Hula Girl, OMG, Private, Daisy Chain, Zombie, Mama Drama, and Stupid Boy.

My individual ranking (from favorite to least favorite):

1. Daisy Chain (I absolutely adore this song)

2. OMG (I knew this was going to be at the top end of my list when I heard it from the pre-release)

3. Zombie

4. Private 

5. Hula Girl (a pretty good song to start the album!)

6. Mama Drama

7. Stupid Boy

8. Lovebomb (honestly, this song grew on me and has climbed a long way up this list!)

9. Lil Ol Me

10. Tides

11. Rabbit

12. Holy Ghost (I thought this song was a little too slow for me)

13. Planet 

14. Mute

15. Crushed (sugar-coating aside, I did NOT like this song at all)

I also acknowledge the fact that I tend to be critical of newly released songs before getting used to them, but I suspect that the more I listen to this album, the more I will like it. Overall, I rate the album an 8/10, and I am hoping to hear more from the band very soon!