Mastering the "Synth-Noir" Vocal Style
"Scary Love" is a standout track from The Neighbourhood's self-titled 2018 album. Known for its pulsating synth bass and atmospheric production, the vocal challenge lies in balancing a "too cool to care" attitude with emotional intensity. Jesse Rutherford's delivery oscillates between a low, spoken-word croon and a higher, desperate chest mix.
To sing this well, you need to master your mid-range dynamics. Unlike a power ballad, you aren't belting for the fences; you are riding the groove. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathiness
It's tempting to sing the whole song with a lot of air in your voice to sound "moody." However, our analysis shows that users who add too much breathiness often go flat in the pre-chorus. Keep your vocal cords connected, even when singing quietly.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & rhythmic)
The song begins in B Minor. The verses require a conversational tone. You are singing in your lower register (approx. A3-D4). The key here is rhythmic precision. The synth bass is driving the song, and your vocals need to lock in with that grid.
The Trap: Because the verses are lower, singers often lose energy. Ensure you are enunciating clearly, particularly on the ends of phrases, or the lyrics will get swallowed by the bass frequencies.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the synths swell, so should your intensity. You don't need to get much louder, but you need to add more "metal" or "edge" to your tone. This prepares the listener for the chorus without giving away all your power yet.
Phase 3: The Chorus (High Mix)
The chorus line "Your love is scaring me" sits higher in the range (around F#4-G4). This is the emotional peak. You should switch to a forward-placed chest mix.
Jesse Rutherford also utilizes subtle falsetto flips at the end of lines to add vulnerability. When you sing "no one has ever cared for me," try lightening the load on the last few notes to mimic that signature style.
- Dynamics: Punch the downbeats but let the ends of the phrases trail off slightly.
- Tone: Think "desperate" but controlled. Avoid shouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest chest/mix note is generally around a B4, though Rutherford often sits comfortably in the F#4-G4 range during the chorus hooks.
The original track uses stylistic processing, but you can achieve the sound naturally by focusing on straight tone (no vibrato) and very precise pitch transitions.
Yes, "Scary Love" is excellent for intermediates. It doesn't require an opera-level range, but it teaches great lessons about style, rhythm, and register switching.
