‘Bones’ by The Neighbourhood Watch - Self Love and Chronic Illness

Artist: Bones Single: The Neighborhood Watch Genre: Indie Rock, Alt Rock Pop, Indie Folk Release Date: March 19th, 2024

Have you ever felt a little too happy? Like that feeling when things are going a little too well and a low hum of dread creeps in as you realize that good times can’t last forever? Yeah, right, me neither.

Toronto-based indie rock band, The Neighbourhood Watch releases a single from their upcoming fourth album called ‘Bones.’ The track delves into the intricacies of love amidst adversity and looming dread during moments of solace. It’s about the feeling of losing touch with the present due to fear of relapse, and the desire to cling to love during hard times. Drawing from personal experiences with chronic illness, the band crafts a narrative that strikes a chord with people grappling with all types of chronic illness - mental or physical.

The vocals are powerful, the mix is tight, the band sounds like they’ve played together for ages, and that guitar solo absolutely rips. Fans of Briston Maroney, Mt. Joy, COIN, Noah Kahan rejoice - these guys know what they’re doing.

Great instrumental aside, these lyrics delve into the complex relationship with oneself when dealing with chronic illness, and they’re relatable to just about anyone who’s been alive on planet Earth. The Neighbourhood Watch captures the essence of fleeting moments of bliss, tinged with the ominous anticipation of impending hardship. Even amidst the looming pain, they pledge, "I’ll hold you ‘til I’m broken, dear.” Heart breaking.

‘Bones’ resonates like a love song, evoking the sentiment of embracing loved ones during tough times. Yet, it doubles as a powerful anthem of self-love. Its poignant conclusion, "I’ve been loving you for fifteen years," prompts introspection—is it a testament to a fifteen year relationship or fifteen years since a life-altering diagnosis? Perhaps, it's both. In our darkest moments, self-compassion should be our focus, though paradoxically, it's often the most challenging aspect to muster. Revisit the track with fresh ears, imagining it as a heartfelt letter to oneself amidst adversity.

The Neighbourhood Watch's forthcoming album promises to further explore themes of family, illness, and resilience, positioning the band as storytellers with a knack for tapping into universal experiences. "Bones" not only showcases the band's musical prowess but also invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys with health and happiness. It's a track that undoubtedly sets the stage for what's sure to be an unforgettable album, and I bet they put on a great live show as well. We’ll be catching them if they ever find themselves in Seattle.

Check them out on socials:

https://neighbourhoodwatchtoronto.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theneighbourhoodwatchtoronto
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F462TaDD6zu9c21NYVtl9?si=nmEDm79MTcmC4TsQgfZ_vg&nd=1&dlsi=db9dacb4c7ae4e0b
https://www.youtube.com/@theneighbourhoodwatch1434
https://www.instagram.com/neighbourhoodwatchtoronto/
https://www.tiktok.com/@theneighbourhoodwatchto

“Bones” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
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An Honest Look at Generational Trauma in Dan Pallotta’s ‘House on the Reservoir’