There seems to be an increased trend in band names that are related to wildlife. Such as the beginning of the decade was dominated by ‘the’ bands, we now have animal bands. I must admit, though, that I enjoy the direction these bands are going in, be it ‘freak folk’ or indie rock, the songs are well structured and written.
Local Natives is a five piece that focuses on vocal harmonies and rhythm more so than guitar solos. The closest this album comes to ‘rocking out’ is track three ‘Sun Hands’, but the rest of the album is melodic. I think what drew me to this album was the fact that there were no guitar solos.
Another pull to this record is the cover of ‘Warning Sign’ by Talking Heads. Listening to the whole album you can hear how Talking Heads would influenced these guys: syncopated rhythms, world beat and general groovy feeling. Opener ‘Wide Eyes’ sets the stage for a mellow start; you move to ‘Airplanes’ which is a child’s remembrance of a lost mother. The theme of losing someone close is all over this record, not in a sad way: the band manages to offset a heavy topic by splashing in a vibrant harmony.
Of all the newer releases I’ve listened to that have come from this movement, I think this is my favorite. Unlike Animal Collective these guys don’t over use synthesizers and unlike Grizzly Bear they don’t pile on harmony and leave the dead air to hang. See for yourself: ‘Shape Shifter’, ‘World News’, ‘Cubism Dream’, ‘ Camera Talk’ or just pick up the album, you won’t be disappointed. I’m interested to see how all of these bands will pan out over the course of time. We saw what happened to The Strokes, The Hives, The Vines and many others; maybe this new breed can stick it out.
