Local Natives
Hummingbird
Frenchkiss Records – January 29th 2013
By Elyse Hill (@elyselikeswords)
Find it at: iTunes | Insound | HMV Digital
7.9
With album art that creates a sharp contrast of awe-inspiring heights against the reality of cold concrete, it comes with no surprise that the interior of Local Natives’ sophomore album Hummingbird can make you feel the same division. The L.A. based band doesn’t just match emotionally jam-packed lyricism with distraught piano chords and effervescent melodies – they labour it to you – kicking you to the ground just when floating summer daydreams (“Ceilings”) have you thinking you can overcome the struggle to stand. It’s just once you regain your balance, ballads of blindsiding heartbreak (“Colombia”) and imminent death (“Black Spot”) quickly bring you back to your knees.
Listen: “You & I”, “Black Balloon”, “Colombia” || Watch: Local Natives – “Breakers”