Jesse Rutherford and The Neighbourhood deliver a compelling tale of ‘filling the void’ through substance and sex on “Void,” the promo single for their self-titled, third studio album.

“And now I need you to feel the vibe / I need you to see the point / I need you to feel alive / I need you to feel the void.” The Neighbourhood is back! After releasing two five-song EPs – Hard (2017) and To Imagine (2018) – the band is dropping their third full-length album.  That third, full-length album, simply titled The Neighbourhood, arrives March 9, 2018.  All 10 songs from the EPs appear on the deluxe edition of the album, which runs 18 tracks deep. Also, among the 18 tracks, is 2017 single “Scary Love”, as well as promo single, “Void.”

Despite that bright, distinct, pointy nature of the electric piano patch, exuberance isn’t the right characterization for “Void.” From the start, there’s an air of mysteriousness and trouble.  It’s confirmed as Jesse Rutherford sings on the intro, “I wonder how I got by this week / I only touched you once / Lately I can’t find a beat / I used to feel the rush.”  The vibe and lyrics set up the void.  Rutherford expounds upon it on the first verse, struggling with addiction and inadequacy: “Mama told me not to try / And I should have taken her advice.”

On the refrain, Rutherford has plans to try to change his trajectory, which seems like a downward spiral.  On the following pre-chorus, the intro is reiterated, followed by the centerpiece – the chorus.  The chorus lyrics were excerpted at the top of this review.  The second verse is much like the first, as he laments his issues.  Likewise, the rest of the song plays out similarly, with the contrast coming on the outro.  Rutherford sings:

“You paralyze me ever time / I try to find some paradise / I’ve got to fill the void / And now I’m paranoid / You paralyze me every time / I try to find some paradise / I’ve got to fill the void / And now I’m paranoid.”

Final Thoughts

Jesse Rutherford and The Neighbourhood certainly have an interesting, realistic record on their hands.  It paints a picture of legitimate internal conflicts.  There’s addiction to substance, the need for sex, as well as issues having sex – just ‘not feeling’ it.  The conflict shown by Rutherford is our listening pleasure – it’s a captivating narrative.  No, “Void” isn’t the best song of the year, but there’s certainly some magic here.

The Neighbourhood • The Neighbourhood • Columbia • Release: 3.9.18

Photo Credit: Columbia