Gorilla Manor
by Local Natives
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Guardian
    60
    it's almost impossible to listen to without making comparisons, and Local Natives are not the beneficiaries of the process.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Letting themselves go with greater frequency would turn what is a pretty record into one that actually breaks ground; it'd be sexier that way.
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    50
    Gorilla Manor is listenable and inoffensive, but it doesn't express a single aforementioned component of its genre with any gusto.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 57
  3. Negative: 1 out of 57
  1. Mayfieldja
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    LA indie-rockers hit the jackpot with this little diddy as it is downright emotive. It bounces from track to track, as Local Natives proves toLA indie-rockers hit the jackpot with this little diddy as it is downright emotive. It bounces from track to track, as Local Natives proves to have a propensity for nailing the details. They have precise harmonies and uplifting tracks with no fillers. It is 52 minutes and 40 seconds of pure joy.
    Favorite Tracks: “Sun Hands”; “Who Knows Who Cares”; “Stranger Things”    … Full Review »
  2. alexdmears
    Jul 31, 2013
    9
    Local Natives' debut album, Gorilla Manor, is a grandiose album, containing the perfect amount of emotion, soaring melodies, and perfectlyLocal Natives' debut album, Gorilla Manor, is a grandiose album, containing the perfect amount of emotion, soaring melodies, and perfectly constructed instrumentals that a good indie album should contain. The opening song, "Wide Eyes", is the perfect song to begin the record with, as it sets the tone of the entire album. The catchy riff and melody leave nothing to be desired indeed. "Airplanes" is a feel-good song with exceptional piano, drums, and vocals. Then again, the vocals are notably performed throughout the entire album. "Sun Hands" is the most rock-inspired song on the album due to its harsher vocals and faster rhythm. "World News" is one of my favorite songs of the album because of its highly catchy guitar parts and ambitious vocals. The next four songs are some of my least favorite of the album, but offer good vibes nonetheless. Of these four, "Camera Talk" is definitely my favorite. The ninth song on the album, "Who Knows Who Cares," is my favorite song on the record. The calm and memorable guitar riff, the emotional pop vocals, the ascending intensity of the song, and the intense drum interlude all combine to create a majestic specimen of indie-pop. The last three songs really put a great end to the album. "Cubism Dream" carries some surprisingly powerful musical momentum that is satisfyingly released at the end of the song. "Stranger Things" incorporates a very pleasing strings section and contains one of my favorite verse melodies of the album. The somewhat calm nature of the last song, "Sticky Thread," brings the album to a very satisfactory close that really makes you think, "Wow, that was a damn good record." Overall, Gorilla Manor is one of my favorite albums and has placed the Local Natives high on my list of favorite bands.… Full Review »
  3. DOMlNlC
    Apr 24, 2013
    10
    Hands down one of the best debuts by any band since 2000. Local Natives not only incorporate mind-blowing texture and comfortable harmonies,Hands down one of the best debuts by any band since 2000. Local Natives not only incorporate mind-blowing texture and comfortable harmonies, but they take you to places you never knew even existed. The kick-off "Wide Eyes" smashes any doubt that this record might not be worth listening to, followed by the killer single "Airplanes". Fan favorite, and traditional closer song "Sun Hands" leads in to the optimistic "World News" and the ride only gets better from there. By the time the listener hits "Who Knows, Who Cares", they have most likely realized that this band is different from the many that exist in this day and age. One of the only albums I can listen to all the way through and be sad when it ends, you'll almost wish that it was longer… Full Review »
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