Sunday 21 March 2010

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

People could be excused for thinking Local Natives may be “just another folk band” but they be sadly mistaken in this instance as Local Natives offer something different. Gorilla Manor is the debut album for this five piece band from L.A who have been tipped for great things this year as the apparent Folk movement continues.

After listening to this album it is easy to see why people have been tipping them for success. “Airplanes” the second track on the album shows a darker side to the band. Lyrics such as “I did not know you as well as my father” and “I want you back” seem to suggest this is a sad song sung about the loss of a loved one. A song which I’m sure lots of people including myself can relate to. The contrast to this darker song can be heard in the next track on the album “Sun Hands” which has a much livelier feel to it with its quirky guitar lines and constant rhythm from the drum beat. This same use of instruments can be found in further songs on the album and there appears to be a continual use of this rhythm.

A lot of people have been comparing Local Natives to Fleet Foxes and it’s plain to see why when you hear the vocals. In songs like “Shape Shifter” there is without doubt a Fleet Fox feel. However if you were to ask me I would say that this band offers a lot more than Fleet Foxes. They also have songs which would be able to get a crowd going and with “Warning Signs” that is definitely the case.

Local Natives are another great folk band to come from the US and I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of these guys. I am a huge fan of this album and have been listening to it non-stop since I purchased it. Each song has its own individual impact on me for different reasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to see them appear at several festivals this summer.

1 comment:

  1. Sexual :) - You should post your published gig review to!

    Love you x

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