It was an epic homecoming of all sorts when California-based indie rockers The Neighbourhood played to a sold-out crowd at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre Thursday night. And if the energy of the massive attendance and the way almost everybody was entranced by their entire set is anything to go off of, then it was most definitely their most successful show to date.
After having seen them play another show at a much, much smaller venue, it’s nice to see The Neighbourhood get the recognition they deserve for basically being the post-children for this new wave (no pun intended) of California west Coast indie rock. And although sitting farther away is a reality most fans had to endure, it was well worth it, since The Greek still gives you a good view no matter where you are sitting, and the band’s stage presence was enough to make you feel as if you were right in the front row.
Speaking of stage presence, frontman Jesse Rutherford, albeit crudely, knows exactly how to hold the attention of the thousands of people in the crowd (most notably with him being topless 90% of the set and his usual air-humping, potty-mouth antics). Rutherford’s vocals were at the top of their game, and paired with the talent from other band members Zach Abels, Jeremy Freedman, Mikey Margott, Brandon Fried, there was never a dull moment the entire show.
The setlist included band favorites from the I Love You album, including “W.D.Y.W.F.M?,” “Let It Go,” and “Female Robbery.” Their heavy hip-hop influence was evident the entire night when they played newer singles like “Jealou$y” (with special guest rapper Casey Veggies making an appearance on the stage), “Lurk,” and a preview of another new basically bonafide rap song called “Dangerous.”
Although they probably wouldn’t deny it, there is an obvious favoritism when it comes to their home-state of California as Rutherford wouldn’t stop mentioning it). I’m not going to say that they saved the best they had for this show, but it would be understood as to why they did. And I’m not mad at them for it. From doing nothing but local shows in and around the Los Angeles area, to selling out an iconic venue in the hills, it’s good to show pride in your work, especially if you’ve been on tour for weeks, away from home, and excited to come home.
