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.
They're not quite as cerebral as Vampire Weekend, but Camera Talk and Cards & Quarters are studded with synapse-snapping shifts in tempo and tone, making this record the place to be as the year ends. [Dec 2009, p.119]
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.
The light continues to shine through "Airplanes" and a clever turn on Talking Heads, but despite the (mostly) joyful chorus, the promising eleation never exactly fulfills its due. However, despite the flaws of their debut, Local natives are one of the more gratifying emergences from East L.A. in recent times. [Winter 2010, p.97]
Gorilla Manor is a bit too much of an amalgamation of its bi-coastal influences to really stake out any territory of its own, but it's a handy synthesis of two prevailing sounds.
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”…Expand
My favorite album of 2010. Watching them perform live at Bonnaroo that year was the stealing-performance of the festival. My only hope is thatMy 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.…Expand
Hands down one of the best albums of 2010. Completely different sound than other formidable entries such as The Black Keys and Arcade Fire,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.…Expand
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…Expand
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, yetLocal 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-…Expand
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.…Expand
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 withNot 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.…Expand
