Following the free release of synth-rich, danceable track “Watergun” and upbeat EP Hooligans, it would be reasonable to expect more of the same on Neighbors‘ August EP. Instead, the Brooklyn five-piece presents four songs that span a variety of styles, inevitably making it difficult to determine what exactly Neighbors do. Frontman Noah Stitelman’s understated delivery remains constant amidst everything from delicate chimes to harmonica; it’s akin to keeping your fork between drastically different courses of a meal. That being said, every turn taken on August is a good one – and ultimately an emphatic demonstration of the band’s versatile talents.

Opening track “August” instantly recalls everything endearing about Neighbors’ previous releases of simple, nicely executed pop, with its looped hand claps and whimsical chimes. The whirring percussion breakdown in the middle of the song break away from the typical formulaic song, though, demanding the listener’s attention. Standout track “Ophelia” continues to break the mold, mixing a heavily ’80s-indebted synth loop with orchestral pop. The upbeat background attempts to undermine Stitleman’s mournful lyrics, while the whining strings reinforce his frustrations with failure and time, accompanying lines such as “We are always fuckin’ up everything, tick tock tick tick tick tock.” It’s a delicate balance between insensitivity to the content and becoming too depressing, and Neighbors admirably succeed in toeing the line with grace.

Abruptly changing gears once more, “Gone Too Long” showcases the band’s ability to create lush layers of synths and guitars that sharply contrast the subdued simplicity of the rest of the EP, such as the acoustic guitar and harmonica of lethargic closer “Bad Timing”. Stitleman even ventures from his comfort zone in this last track, with varying intonation rendering his usual cool countenance vulnerable. A collection of such different sounds like this certainly fails to have seamless continuity, but jarring transitions are a fair price to pay for a sampling plate so delightful from the ever-hospitable Neighbors.