14 February 2013
By Shelby Clemons, Staff Writer
Just in time to confirm their spot on the 2013 Coachella line-up, LA-based indie rock band Local Natives released their second album, Hummingbird. Their first album in 3 years, Hummingbird matches the mellowness fans heard when they first hit the scene with Gorilla Manor.
Along with bands like Best Coast, Local Natives have become familiar faces on the Los Angeles indie scene and have built a modest fan base over the years. To an outsider looking in, however, they seem like just another band with decent music.
Their music is nothing short of enjoyable, but Hummingbird is a collection of mellow ballads just blurred together; there is nothing that really stands out. The same soft, slow rhythm glides through every song, making it more delicate and somber than Gorilla Manor.
That’s not to say the soft ballads don’t make Hummingbird deeply emotional or a waste of talent; it just makes the album a bit tedious. Every member plays an instrument and three of the four members provide vocals, but in this sophomore album, they seem like they are not using their full potential.
However, Local Natives do sleepy mellowness right in Hummingbird. This album is excellent in its execution of a calm and soothing blend of indie rock and pop. The opening track “You & I” along with “Wooly Mammoth” are personal favorites of mine. The latter is one of the faster songs on the album, heavy with percussion vocals.
The album’s single “Breaking” is hard to compare to Gorilla Manor’s single “Wide Eyes,” because both are enjoyable. Both display the band’s talent, but don’t share the same emotional vibe.
Local Natives is a band you may hear once or twice and think you could get into, but it’s certainly worthy of greater recognition. As many bands do, though, they came back with a sophomore album that is not as impressive as their first. Nonetheless, these indie rockers are a good listen.
6/10
Picture courtesy of www.spinner.com