Following the release of their 2020 album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, The Neighbourhood entered an indefinite hiatus in late 2021. After five years away, the group resurfaced to release their fifth studio album, (((((ultraSOUND))))), in November, shortly announcing a world tour in support of the album. The demand for the return was so strong that the show at The Anthem sold out almost instantly, which led to a second night being added.
As the doors opened to the venue, there was a rush of GA fans unlike I’ve ever seen, a wave of people running to the barricade. The audience was an interesting group of people, with some older fans drawn by the band’s earlier work in their 15-year careers. With a large crowd of younger fans who likely discovered the band’s most viral hits on social media like TikTok. The mix of older and newer fans led to a substantial amount of participation from the crowd, with fans singing every single word to both the old and new material.
At 9pm, the house lights dimmed, and a red fog took over the stage. Introducing the band was a synth voice asking the crowd if they were ready as the band came out, ending with the line, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Neighbourhood.” Flashing the upside-down house that has become synonymous with the group, the crowd noticeably erupted in the loudest cheer all night.
The show began with some minimal static lighting but quickly switched it up, utilizing the hundreds of spotlights lining the top and bottom of the stage, creating beautiful waves of light. The production created stunning visuals combining the massive LED screen backing the band and artistic lighting techniques.
The live camera work elevated the production, ensuring every fan got an equal view. For me, it made it click. This is The Neighbourhood, a band that has amassed billions of streams and sold out venues across the world. The camera work peaked during the performance of “Devil’s Advocate.” As the band navigated the groovy track, a cameraman entered the stage, and the video taken seemed as if it were a well-choreographed dance routine between the camera and the bandmates. The camera aggressively panned, zoomed, and bounced with the beat of the song, giving one the feel that they were right next to lead singer Jesse Rutherford.
Watch the official music video for “Devil’s Advocate” by The Neighbourhood on YouTube:
The lights dimmed, and the synthetic voice spoke again, welcoming us to “The Ballad Section of the Evening,” with the band quickly jumping into the powerful acoustic Baby Came Home 2. Midway through Act II, the band shifted away from the acoustic mix and leaned heavily into the band’s more R&B mixes, performing Pretty Boy and Cherry Flavored. Then came the 6x US Platinum song Daddy Issues with a massive release of energy from the crowd.
The sound the band brought was evident of a band that has grown and changed. The mix was significantly heavier, grittier, and fuller-sounding than their polished studio albums. Guitarists Zach Abels and Jeremy Freedman pushed their tones into heavier, distorted territories, transforming electronic-leaning songs into a more slow-rock-inclined sound.
The final act plunged into darkness as spotlights illuminated the band members as the unmistakable opening chords of “Sweater Weather” rang out. The live rendition was less of a standard performance, with the loudest singing of the night, Rutherford frequently pulled away the microphone to let the 6,000 voices in the room carry the song. The night concluded with “Red Flag,” a standout, high-octane track from their new deluxe edition, with band members jumping around the stage tossing guitar picks and drumsticks. Ending with Rutherford leaning over the barricade, it was an intense, chaotic energy, bringing the night to a powerful conclusion.
Watch the official music video for “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood on YouTube:
The Neighbourhood’s performance at The Anthem was, in one word, incredible. They brought a new sound with their newest album, but heavily integrated their more introspective material into the set. The WORLD TOUR proves that The Neighbourhood has evolved and is still bringing their full power to each massive venue they sell out.
Setlist (Retrieved from setlist.fm)
Act 1
Hula Girl
OMG
Cry Baby
Prey
Reflections
RIP 2 My Youth
A Little Death
Afraid
You Get Me So High
Fallen Star
Nervous
Planet
Devil’s Advocate
Act 2
Valentines
Baby Came Home 2
The Beach
Void
Chip Chrome
Pretty Boy
Cherry Flavored
Daddy Issues
Good Grief
Private
Lovebomb
Sweater Weather
Softcore
Red Flag
All photographs from The Neighbourhood’s performance at The Anthem on April 10, 2026, are copyright and courtesy of Caden Forrester (@flicksby4ster).
