While fans of Local Natives’ extraordinary debut album, “Gorilla Manor,” are awaiting the launch of their sophomore effort, “Hummingbirds,” at least they can tide themselves over with the release of the album’s first single, “Breakers.” The song’s sound is a change from “Gorilla Manor’s” clear, hyper-percussive drive, instead focusing on thick atmospherics broken up by chiming guitar lines and light vocals. It is a promising song for the new album, and a refreshing mix-up of styles that assures listeners that “Hummingbirds” will not just be “Gorilla Manor pt. 2,” a tempting route for young bands with such successful debuts. It does seem to lack some of Local Natives’ defining characteristics, namely their unique song structure, creative, relatable lyrics, and perhaps most importantly, the communal, brotherly harmonies that defined them in their first album. But fans and newcomers will all appreciate the change of pace and the group’s desire to forge its own path, and not fall prey to the rinse-and-repeat pattern of so many other young bands.
Arts & Culture
Review: “Breakers” by Local Natives
Fans and newcomers will all appreciate the change of pace and the group’s desire to forge its own path, and not fall prey to the rinse-and-repeat pattern of so many other young bands.