The Neighbourhood is officially stepping back into the spotlight after a turbulent three-year hiatus, and this time, all five original members are present, including drummer Brandon Fried. On Friday, the band broke the news through an Instagram Story, confirming they reunited in November 2024 and are preparing to share what they’re calling their “next chapter.” It marks the end of an indefinite break that began in late 2021, following a decade of nonstop touring and recording.

The Neighbourhood, made by vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Zachary Abels and Jeremiah Freedman, bassist Michael Margott, and Fried, had been together for 10 years when they decided to step away in November 2021. In their statement, the group acknowledged that entering their early 30s brought challenges they had never fully faced outside of the band’s bubble. “As we entered our early 30s, we were faced with life outside of the band for the first time in our adult lives. Breakups, family struggles, and personal challenges,” they wrote. That reset, while difficult for fans, proved to be a pivotal time for the members to reflect on life beyond their music.

During that hiatus, frontman Jesse Rutherford kept active in the spotlight. He released two solo albums &ONE in 2023 and Jesse® in 2024, each showcasing a different side of his artistry and hinting at how his creative voice had evolved in the years since Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, the band’s last release in September 2020.

The band’s announcement also addressed the complicated history surrounding Fried. In November 2022, Maria Zardoya of The Marías publicly accused him of groping her under a table, describing him as a “complete creep.” The Neighbourhood swiftly fired him, and Fried admitted to the incident, issuing an apology in which he linked his actions to substance abuse issues. He promised to seek treatment and step away from the band.

“In November 2022, it became evident that Brandon’s struggles with substance abuse needed immediate attention, and we agreed it was best for him to step away and focus on his recovery,” the band explained in their new statement.

The group made clear that while the incident was unacceptable, the decision to welcome Fried back came after years of effort and progress on his part. “We are proud of Brandon, the changes he has made, and the progress he continues to make in his life. Being in each other’s lives for over 20 years, when one of us is going through something, it impacts all of us,” they wrote.

The Neighbourhood confirmed they officially reunited in the studio in November 2024, marking their first collective session since before the hiatus. While they didn’t announce specifics on new music or a tour, the language of their statement suggests fans can expect an official return in the near future.

“Thank you to everyone who kept the music alive while we were away,” the band said. “We couldn’t feel more honored to do what we do and can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.”

The Neighbourhood rose to fame in the early 2010s with their breakout hit “Sweater Weather,” which became a streaming juggernaut and defined their moody, black-and-white aesthetic. Over the next decade, they evolved from indie darlings into a globally recognized alternative act, blending rock, R&B, and pop influences into a sound uniquely their own.

Their return comes at a moment when nostalgia for 2010s alt-pop is fueling renewed interest in acts from that era. With Rutherford’s solo ventures keeping his profile high and the band’s catalog still thriving on streaming, the timing of the reunion seems poised to capture both old fans and a younger generation discovering their music for the first time.