After over a year of anticipation for its release, The Neighbourhood have finally given fans their latest single

Alternative band The Neighbourhood have released a new single Fallen Star. The single follows their last album, Chip Chrome and the Monotones and a long wait from fans who expected the song to appear on the album after a series of sneak peeks on social media. The song was initially named Further Apart but was changed soon after the band saw their fans call it Fallen Star. They posted the single artwork and a loving caption on their Instagram account that read: “...anyone who has been asking for this song, i hope you are listening to it today & understanding that you really made this happen”; making note of how special the song is to those who waited for its release. 

Fallen Star starts with a drumbeat that has the feel of a song that resembles the beginning of a dance tune, but is joined with sweeping guitar chords, a steady drumbeat, and eventually frontman Jesse Rutherford’s vocals. It has a sonic feel that resembles Chip Chrome and the Monotones and a dreamy composition. The small, acoustic guitar break in the song’s bridge doesn’t detract from its overall feel; rather, it gives the song a new life for a moment. The chorus comes back in after being sucked in by a glitchy synth-like sound while ending with an extended instrumental refrain.

The lyrics are all about closeness with someone yet being far apart. Perhaps an ode to Rutherford’s significant other Devon Carlson — anyone who struggles with long-distance of any kind in a relationship will find a reflection of their emotions in this song. There’s a willingness to try to make things work, but a hesitation driven by an urge to push people away. It’s a play of sorts on the old saying “distance makes the heart grow fonder” (“Further apart, the closer that we are”), but taken into a galactic metaphor (“I’ll keep you far away from me like a star / Hard not to fall for you, I gave you all my heart”) that is sure to tug on the heartstrings. 

Fans of The Neighbourhood and those new to the band are sure to find something delightful in Fallen Star. It’s a simple-yet-complex song that utilizes various dynamics to create a specific aura; something that the band knows how to do quite well. Those unfamiliar with the concept of their previous album need not fear; the song is just as enjoyable without the storyline coming into play. Fallen Star is a worthwhile wait for fans, and whatever comes next from The Neighbourhood is sure to be just as stellar.