If you’re bummed that the Animal Collective show got postponed until July, I know what you can do to alleviate your frustration. You can go see Local Natives tonight at the Madison Theater. Seriously. Don’t believe me? Here’s why this makes total sense:
- Pitchfork likened Local Natives’ sound to the same “sense of warm communal bro-down from Animal Collective.”
- The Milk Carton compared Local Natives to “a cross between Animal Collective and Fleet Foxes.”
- Animal Collective fans created a whole thread about Local Native on the AnCo official website.
Still not convinced to attend? Consider the story behind Local Natives’ 2013 release, Hummingbird.
Following the massive critical success of their debut album, Gorilla Manor, and multiple tours to support it, bassist Andy Hamm decided to leave the band. Then keyboardist /vocalist Kelcey Ayer suffered the passing of his mother. Facing some extremely dark times, it would have been easy for the group to throw in the towel. Plenty of bands do it. The road gets too long, the van too small, the spotlight too bright, relationships with loved ones at home get strained, and to some, the cost just isn’t worth it. But Local Natives carried on. The remaining four members decided to continue as a four-piece and put their sorrows into music. The result is Hummingbird, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner and filled with heartfelt stories of what it’s like to live your life on the road and how it feels to suffer loss. With such heavy subject matter, one might expect a downbeat, sad collection of songs. But that’s not the case with Hummingbird. The album retains all of the melodic smarts and rhythmic finesse that Gorilla Manor held, yet translates it into a more mature, experienced sound.
If that sounds like your cup of tea – watching a young indie band grow its roots and spread its branches – come check out Local Natives tonight at Madison Theater. Or just do it because you’re still bummed about Animal Collective. It’ll make you feel better, I promise.
Local Natives and Superhumanoids
Madison Theater
7p Doors / 8p Show
