Local Natives - "Hummingbird"

Artist: Local Natives

Album: Hummingbird

Label: Frenchkiss Records

Release Date: January 29^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Three years ago, a little known band from Silver Lake released their powerfully emotive, pop rock-induced record, “Gorilla Manor” to the masses. Early comparisons were drawn from bands such as The Dodos, Fleet Foxes, and Grizzly Bear. Sonically lush with terrific harmonies, undulating guitar riffs, and thoughtful lyrics, Local Natives were onto something few bands could say with just one album under their belt. Flash forward to present day, the West Coast rockers headed east to record their follow-up LP, “Hummingbird.” With the overwhelming buzz settling down, the departure of a band member, health problems striking down on some of the members, and singer Kelcey Ayer’s mother passing away, the band was determined to rebound through adversity. Through fortitude, Local Natives crafted a wholly introspective and utterly sensitive sophomore record. “Hummingbird” is epically beautiful with its delicate arrangements, spiritual undertones, and melancholy sound. It never feels forced or strained, only completely organic and entirely sincere. Local Natives are hoping to be one of the elite rock bands of their generation with a defining sound they can easily call their very own.

Now a quartet of three singer/multi-instrumentalists and a drummer, the band recorded a much darker, deeper album than their debut had to offer. “Hummingbird” is more a controlled effort but presents very rich, unconventional instrumental textures.  When touring with the band The National a few years ago, Local Natives befriended the group’s Aaron Dessner, who co-produced this latest effort. It was the perfect setup given The National’s proclivity for dark, brooding, emotive music. While Local Natives still express some buoyancy, the endeavor differs much from the days of “Gorilla Manor.” The four-piece rock act enchant with their memorable choruses and tender melodies. The standout track and climax of the album is “Columbia.” It was written through the somberness and despair of the passing of Ayer’s mother. “Columbia” is brutally heart wrenching and devastatingly beautiful. With lyrics are like “Am I giving enough? /Every night I am asking myself, am I loving enough?” it’s easily the most compelling, thoughtful, and well-written songs the band has ever made.

With songs like “Black Balloons” and “Wooly Mammoth,” the band brightens up just a bit. They’re not as solemn or fragile as the other songs but still strong tunes to complete the eleven-track album. “Breakers” is a soaring track that starts with a 30 second intro of howling guitars and catchy drums beats before it explodes with grand arrangements accompanied by “oohs” to fiercely escalate it to new heights. It slows down a bit and the vocals kick in, but it’s the chorus that brings the song to into a freshly new environment. At the end of the album, I was emotionally exhausted in the best way possible way. “Hummingbird” is absolutely gorgeous in every aspect of production. Compassionate, deeply expressive, and vastly heartfelt, Local Natives didn’t just meet expectations, they surpassed them in an unbelievable fashion. Clearly put, the record is dazzling from start to finish that clearly validates the boys’ long lull between records. However, even with the elongated gap among the albums, “Hummingbird” stands as a truly extraordinary piece of music that will be difficult to match by any artist this year.

Grade: 9.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “You and I”, “Ceilings”, “Breakers”, “Mt. Washington”, “Columbia”

Published by Mountain Views News on February 9th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n06/p11.htm