Local Natives, acclaimed for their kinetic rhythms and soaring harmonies, have evolved their sound from the post-punk urgency of 2009's Gorilla Manor to the mature yet raw essence of Time Will Wait For No One, culminating in their poignant new album, But I'll Wait For You.
Local Natives first drew attention in 2009 with their debut album, Gorilla Manor, captivating fans with its vibrant mix of kinetic, complex rhythms and soaring harmonies. The album garnered praise for its enthusiastic balance of post-punk urgency and evocative lyricism, setting the stage for a band that would evolve and experiment while staying true to its Southern California roots.
The debut was not just an introduction but a statement, one that resonated deeply throughout the indie rock world. With standout tracks like "Airplanes" and "Sun Hands," Local Natives were introduced as a band characterized by lush instrumentation and poignant storytelling.
In 2013, the group expanded upon that sound with their sophomore effort, Hummingbird, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National. This album marked a significant evolution for Local Natives, exploring a darker, more introspective aesthetic. Songs like "Heavy Feet" and "Breakers" showcased a band unafraid to delve into complex emotional landscapes, with Dessner's influence bringing a brooding depth to their already rich soundscapes.
Their third album, Sunlit Youth, arrived in the summer of 2016. This record saw the band embracing a more eclectic approach, with a globe-trotting writing process that had them experimenting with production techniques and expanding their palette of instruments. Tracks like "Past Lives" and "Villainy" highlighted their ability to blend electronic elements with their signature harmonies, creating a sound both fresh and familiar.
The classic studio setting is juxtaposed on Local Natives’ fourth full-length, Violet Street, with modern production and visuals to form a timeless album. The band’s signature soaring three-part harmonies were augmented by loops of tape, physically spliced and transformed by hand, the result of experimenting in the studio with producer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Kacey Musgraves, The War On Drugs). This experimental approach yielded a collection of songs that felt both innovative and nostalgic.
Their fifth album, 2023's Time Will Wait For No One, marked a return to the band's roots. It seamlessly blends the raw energy of their early work with the maturity they've gained from years of touring and recording. Now, their latest release, But I'll Wait For You, serves as an expansion and completion of the statement begun in Time Will Wait For No One. This new album poignantly underscores the transient nature of time and the essential need to prioritize tenderness amidst the noise.