Album Review: Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
By Lindsey Darden
You can breathe now – the Local Natives‘ Gorilla Manor is finally here – let the States rejoice. Long-time BeatCrave readers are likely more than well aware of our infatuation with the Silverlake, Calif.,-based band and their perhaps unrealized knack at making knees buckle. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the extent of our thrill lies in any of the fivesome’s career achievements, meaning more music for us.
Fans of the Local Natives’ signature style of indie rock (one that is at once mellow and spirited) will likely have considered their full-length debut worth the wait, having reveled in heightened anticipation as to which of their favorite songs would make the cut. One glance at the track list in comparison to set lists at live performances, and we’ve a feeling there will be no room for disappointment.
On the whole, Gorilla Manor rests on a different, higher plane than any bio or blurb of the band could capture. On one hand, the majority of the album is comprised of a poetic sensibility that is so layered in that it begs a repeat listen. But then you’ve also got the onslaught of drum beats (“Who Knows Who Cares”) that are almost as intoxicating as their vocals (“Shape Shifter”), mixed in with finesse at working the keys (“Cards and Quarters”). We’re sure they’ve heard it all before, but at the risk of fan-girling up the joint, it beholds the possibility of being too swoon-worthy for even words to describe.
Seeming to go into the project as making each track their best, their consistency remains even with varying moods within the four- to five-minute time frame they’ve allowed themselves. Lest we forget their cover of Talking Head’s “Warning Sign”, done so in much respect for the original. Staying true to the general formula, they’ve permitted their style. (read: a strategic harmonic component, far from overload).
Gorilla Manor will be released in the US via Frenchkiss on February 16.
Gorilla Manor tracklist:
01. Wide Eyes
02. Airplanes
03. Sun Hands
04. World News
05. Shape Shifter
06. Camera Talk
07. Cards and Quarters
08. Warning Sign
09. Who Knows Who Cares
10. Cubism Dream
11. Stranger Things
