Back from a 2-year hiatus, the always black and white band came like a thief in the night, stealing our hearts once again with this out of nowhere 5-track EP.

7.4/10

The NBHD released their first EP, I’m Sorry in 2012, introducing the world to “Sweater Weather”. No one knew who they were except that they were a Californian band that somehow managed to mix 60’s beach boy guitar riffs with hip-hop and R&B melodies, creating this dark, hypnotic sound that we cannot get enough of.

Their follow-up album, Wiped Out, was packed with just as much intensity. The band staying true to their Californian roots and giving us lyrical fantasies that somehow made you want to cry and dance at the same time. One thing I love about the band is how Jesse isn’t afraid of vulnerability. From family issues to self-worth, he never holds back when revealing his thoughts and feelings, making it so much easier to connect and bond with their music.

https://twitter.com/jesserutherford/status/831728393041375232

With all the music out right now, Hard is a well-needed breath of fresh air. The EP opens up with a slow starting “Roll Call” that sounds like it belongs in I Love You. Jesse sleepily sings about a little soldier that’s being controlled, put onto a field and being told to kill without question. The singer tweeted about how he doesn’t like to speak on politics and social issues because he “hated adding to the noise”, but that his thoughts about the injustice going on would all be in the music. It’s followed by “You Get Me So High” and “Noise”. The fourth song, “24/7” starts off sounding like “RIP to My Youth”, but turns into a love song as Jesse sings about how his girl can his lineup 24/7. The EP ends with “Sadderdaze”, a play on Saturday and sadder days as he sings about what used to be over slow, syrupy guitar chords.

Hearing Jesse’s sad crooning and the band’s unique sound is honestly like coming home and I am excited about what the future has in store for the band. Listen to Hard on iTunes or Spotify, and click here to get tickets to their upcoming show in Houston. 

Follow the band on Twitter and Instagram.