While listening to “GARAGEB&”, you can imagine the artistic conversation bouncing between Jesse Rutherford and his label. “How many genres do you want to use, Jesse?” To which Jesse simply responds, “Yes”.
Jesse Rutherford, lead singer of The Neighbourhood, manages to cultivate some of the most interesting sounds through blending snips of genres and subject matter. In the past, I have not been disappointed by Jesse’s creative choices. In fact, I firmly believed that he wasn’t capable of creating anything mediocre.
After listening to “GARAGEB&” in a handful binge, I’ve come to the consensus that, for the most part, this remains true. The first half of the album is earth shattering, while the second could use a helping hand.
Upon first listen, this solo studio album is a kaleidoscope of genres. Different sounds are collaged while retaining a signature “The Neighbourhood” sound.
It’s happened again and again where artists are simply finding a sense of self in their music, and Jesse’s work is a prime example of that.
The treatment and sensitivity to the sound depends on the artist’s intentions. It’s evident when an artist is using ambiguous genre mashups to remain afloat, experiment, lash-out, or simply explore a new sound.
“GARAGEB&” features hip hop, trap beats while later decorated by 90s style guitar riffs. Unlike what we’ve heard from Jesse before, the album is a string of uptempo tracks, a different energy than what the NBH fans are used to.
It’s worth considering that this is a project under Jesse’s name, and his solo works are usually fearless, unapologetic, and vibrant. “GARAGEB&” keeps this self-assured energy.
There are notable ear-worm material tracks, like “Girls & Boys” and “R.I.P. off”. These songs, like a few others, emanate a confidence that Jesse has occasionally denied himself of. “R.I.P. off” features a familiar sound that doesn’t stray too far from The NBD’s recent EPs. This banger is complemented by grinding guitars that unanticipatedly breathe a life into the track.
“Puppy Love”, although not as captivating while on speakers, has a different feel once you’ve popped earphones in. The swaying of the sweet song is emulated in the swaying of the acoustics.
This is a solo album where it’s evident that Jesse had his fair share of fun simply creating for the sake of his work. It’s an evident journey of self discovery.
“Tunnelovision” is a witty, upbeat opener that striked me as though inspired by garage rock such as, dare I say, the iconic band known as “the Strokes”. The sound is there, even if subtle. The subject matter encompasses the tunnel vision of someone who is involved romantically with someone despite the obvious red flags. However, for a quick moment in between, the track is interrupted by a hip hop bridge that completely shifts the tone, and switches right back. While this is unusual, Jesse has always been intentional with all his musicianship.
The rest of the tracks on the album are listenable, characterized by a “very L.A” enthusiast blend of pop, hiphop, and r&b. While I honestly can’t consider the album the best I’ve heard from Jesse, he’s delved into diverse territory where he can discover the best techniques to refine his overall sound.
The pop-based tracks are easily the least interesting. The beginning of the album peaks my interest, whereas the rest hasn’t received the same care. Occasionally the album fails to be cohesive where it needs it most. And while much of the album is unconventional, there are points of bland, mid tempo pop tracks.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss Jesse’s rather sultry alt and r&b works that captivated listeners through more ambiguous melodies.
Since Jesse’s peak of fame during Tumblr’s overt enthusiasm for The NBD’s breakthrough hit “Sweater Weather”, it’s been hard for the group to cope with something less than that spotlight. But history repeats itself and we’ve seen artists and groups tear themselves away from conventional formulas to creating critically acclaimed work.
As a fan since high school, I want to encourage Jesse to continue creating. Every step, he comes closer and closer to refining a solid sound, a ground where he will prevail.
Alma Tovar
Features Editor