WK9 - Local Natives - Gorilla Manor (9)

Released - 2/16/10
Label - French Kiss Records

BLURB - Five months ago I asked a friend to give me some bands that nobody really knew about, but should. I got a list of three bands - Local Natives was at the top. At the time, they only had a couple songs out, but had been making a huge splash in Europe and in the underground music circuits of LA and NYC. Like most, I had the general idea that the band had the potential to create an amazing record, now I have the proof with "Gorilla Manor." Blended with harmonies, enthusiasm and a grassroots approach to rock music, Local Natives has accomplished everything their fan base had been anticipating with this album. "Gorilla Manor" marks a return to what music should sound like - youthful, celebratory and sincere.

Rating - 9 out of 10

FULL STORY - Local Natives' sound is mix of rock, folk and varying shades of pop. If you're someone that enjoys the old "let's compare them to this band," adage, then consider Local Natives to be a collage of Fleet Foxes, Delta Spirit and Grizzly Bear.

The first track "Wide Eyes" is an excellent representation of the group. Charming guitar melodies and riffs slowly enter against a backdrop of constantly changing percussion as the track opens. The vocals of Taylor Rice stand out beautifully and compliment the various shapes and tones "Wide Eyes" provides - it's even more noticeable as he leads several three part harmonies with the band. After an unassuming and innocent first three minutes, the song moves into a heavier refrain, becoming more infectious with each note, ending after an almost chant-like, anthemic form.

"Airplanes" has a subtle tearjerker quality to it. The passion and sincerity in Rice's voice shines through with great force. Lyrically, the track focuses in on self-reflection, redemption and what could have been - personified by the warmth of the music, which features softer pianos and strings. "Airplanes" does change pace and intensity, but only when a point or chorus needs emphasis, affording the track the ability to play like a real life conversation.

Entering the world of Fleet Foxes, "Sun Hands" is filled with layers of folk harmonies and chants. The song is driven by pounding drums, creating a great tempo and sense of direction. Subtle and clean guitar melodies and progressions contrast with the intensity of the percussion. It's actually kind of brilliant, because it's difficult to ascertain the mood of the song. "Sun Hands" could be about fleeting happiness and despair, but could also be viewed as celebratory. This ties in with the lyrics nicely, as the track focuses around continuously trying to touch the sun, but ultimately failing.

Local Natives cleverly and creatively showcase their relatability on "World News." Yet again, vocal harmonies and catchy melodies are at the forefront of this track, both lyrically and musically. The voicing of "World News" is very calming and reassuring, allowing us to realize that the group, at it's core, is just normal people - thinking about normal things.

"The lane next over is always faster and you wait so long until you're so bothered. But right after you complete your merge the lane you started in gets going. While you wait for your luck to change all you can think about is where you started."

No, it's not about LA traffic as we obviously have a cool little metaphor here. What's nice is that Local Natives is very upfront about the theme and don't try to confuse or over analyze their thoughts. "World News" has a great simplicity to it, allowing it's listeners to interpret and dissect their lyrics effortlessly. At it's core these themes of change, impatience and regret can be applied to nearly anyone at anytime. The resulting effect is an increased meaning and emotional element that comes to light, brighter with each listen. But Local Natives is too good, and even further elaborates on these themes later on in the song:

"Your phone goes off with a picture of your mother. It's five to six and she can't find your brother. And while normally you'd yell and scream, instructing her to go and find him on her own...but calmly you're exiting and telling her that you are headed on your way home. She does not know what to say, just glad you are on your way. You turn off your phone in a different tone now, as you think the bad feeling so bad, makes the good so good."

Perhaps the most pop-influenced track on the album is "Camera Talk." Built off of a more traditional percussive style, the song flows with great rhythm and bounce. Distorted guitar chords ring out over the verses while a colorful keyboard progression lines the inner walls of the choruses. There's also something inherently catchy to the chorus that gets lodged in your head, maybe it's just the fact that "Camera Talk" is a cool play on words. The instrumentation throughout this song is right on par with what has been established on "Gorilla Manor," and is filled with strings, keyboards, electric guitars and vocal harmonies.

There really isn't much to dismantle with this album. It is the solid debut effort that we've all been hoping for. With a gun to my head, I would say the album is a little top heavy, but even that is a huge stretch. Nonetheless, Local Natives should be heralded as one of the up and coming indie rock act and haven't succumbed to the recent lo-fi, shoegaze phenomenon that bands like Surfer Blood and The Depreciation Guild have. "Gorilla Manor" has a certain charm and relevance that will grow on you each time you listen to it. For anyone that has been diving into the indie rock community over the past few years, you're sure to be impressed with Local Natives.

Tracks
1.) Wide Eyes
2.) Airplanes
3.) Sun Hands
4.) World News
5.) Shape Shifter
6.) Camera Talk
7.) Cards & Quarters
8.) Warning Sign
9.) Who Knows Who Cares
10.) Cubism Dream
11.) Stranger Things
12.) Sticky Thread