Gorilla Manor
by Local Natives
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

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  1. Vampire25
    Feb 7, 2013
    9
    Local Natives really blew me away the first time I listened to Gorilla Manor. I loved how they're influenced by so many incredible bands, yet they retrain their own musical style. Each track really stands on their own. So far I've only listened to it twice but I already know it's one of those records I'll probably listen to for awhile. All In All, Local Natives craft a brilliant debutLocal Natives really blew me away the first time I listened to Gorilla Manor. I loved how they're influenced by so many incredible bands, yet they retrain their own musical style. Each track really stands on their own. So far I've only listened to it twice but I already know it's one of those records I'll probably listen to for awhile. All In All, Local Natives craft a brilliant debut record with Gorilla Manor. A-… Collapse
  2. shakeel7
    Jan 16, 2011
    8
    Not one of the most talked about albums of 2010, but still one of the strongest. The Local Natives have shown more than enough potential with this debut to prove they're here to stay.
  3. podaddy
    Apr 18, 2011
    10
    Hands down one of the best albums of 2010. Completely different sound than other formidable entries such as The Black Keys and Arcade Fire, but this release does not have one stinker on it. Can't wait for their next release.
  4. DisasterpieceMK
    Jan 23, 2013
    10
    My favorite album of 2010. Watching them perform live at Bonnaroo that year was the stealing-performance of the festival. My only hope is that their follow-up will be of the same caliber.
  5. 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, 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"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… Expand
  6. alexdmears
    Jul 31, 2013
    9
    Local 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.Local 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.… Expand
  7. 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 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”

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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 A.V. Club
    Jan 5, 2011
    91
    Except for an impressive reinvention of Talking Heads' "Warning Sign," the rest of Gorilla Manor takes it a bit easier, but these boys never ramble without reason. Even slower bucolic numbers like "Who Knows Who Cares" demonstrate Local Natives' knack for crafting emotive moments that never feel bathetic, as well as technically proficient pop that, in spite of initial impressions, never seems studied.
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  2. BBC Music
    80
    Gorilla Manor is no classic – it's too indebted to its makers' influences for that. But it is a strong, striking debut that exceeds expectations and should open enough doors for the band to ensure that album two is immediately placed at the top of journalist must-listen-to piles and consumers' to-buy lists alike.
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Reportedly taking as much time to arrange harmonies as write the music, Gorilla Manor is a definite labour of love, and you know what they say; you get out what you put in. Though it may not be revolutionary, for me, this album is a little gem.
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