ED NOTE: I started a new job and moved house last week, and I have obviously fallen desperatley behind on my Hot Jams. Instead of going back and filling days, I’ll just pull double duty this week. Thanks! TP
Local Natives
“Breakers”
Hummingbird (out 01/29/13 on Frenchkiss)
Simply put, the Silver Lake-based quartet’s debut album, Gorilla Manor, was one of my favorite albums of 2009. Nowadays, it’s rare to see young bands allow more than 18 months or so to go by in between successful albums, so four years feels like an absolute eternity. And while I’m sure the sunny harmonizers could have cranked out 12 more slabs of Laurel Canyon-influenced magic a little sooner, it’s refreshing to see a rising band take the time to reflect on an impressive maiden statement and carefully craft a follow-up. While first single, “Breakers,” has many of the LN hallmarks — evocative melodies, delicate vocals, busy percussion, strong vocal harmonies — it also has a more than a touch of extra grandiosity and a quasi-arena-rock feel that wasn’t quite evident on Gorilla Manor. Wherever it goes, it will definitely be a fascinating statement, and it’s certainly going to be one of the most anticipated albums of first part of the new year.
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