American alternative rock band, The Neighbourhood, released their second album, “Wiped Out!” on October 30. This band, known for taking risks with their music, has kept their fans intrigued with the announcement of this release in August of 2015.

It has been two years since The Neighbourhood’s debut album, “I Love You”, was released and a lot has changed. In 2013, “Sweater Weather” proved to be a fan favorite as it was played on the radio again and again and again (and again). In 2014, #000000 & #FFFFFF, the band’s mixtape was released. Although many fans were taken aback by the rapping, they were still able to enjoy the apprehensive music and the heavy lyrics that The Neighbourhood provides.

Frontman of the band, Jesse Rutherford, intended to reflect his experience in growing up through this album. To start off the album, there is a track entitled “A Moment of Silence.” Which, well, is a moment of silence. This track embraces a thirty second silence, a metaphor that could possibly reflect the many painful, awkward, or even sentimental silences in our lives.

These risk-takers remained loyal to their experimentation in their new album. “Wiped Out!” the title track, is one evident example with a lot of experimentation, as various sounds intertwine together to make a medley of what seems to be chaos. Following this particular part of the song, comes “I’m back and forth, I think I’m going crazy,” elaborating on the chaotic noises.  

Each song holds significance, capitalizing stories behind the lyrics. The heavy lyrics in “Daddy Issues” portray an immense amount of emotion as Rutherford belts out lyrics, asking where his father has gone. “I didn’t cry when you left at first, but now that you’re dead it hurts, this time I gotta know, where did my daddy go?” This explains Rutherford’s complications in the relationship that he had with his late father.

As you continue through, you can pick up on a subdued R&B sound within the melancholy character of the album. At times, the subtle beats off of their new album sound similar to The XX, an indie pop band that is also known for taking chances within their music style.

This album reflects on how the band has accepted the conclusion of their youth as they take a step into adulthood. Whether it’s the lull in “Single” or the angsty beat in the closing track, “R.I.P. 2 My Youth,” The Neighbourhood successfully created an album that is worth a listen.