Avoiding any detrimental “sophomore slump” nonsense, Local Natives dropped a fresh second album today. Hummingbird widens the band’s scope and leaves the listener enlightened and inspired.
Much of the album comprises the shimmery, laid-back vibes that sprouted up here and there during the debut, 2011’s Gorilla Manor. (Interesting that both of these albums highlight an animal in their titles – and that this time around, the animal is notably, um, calmer.)
“Ceilings” is a reflective little jaunt tossed against a mirthful melody. SInger Kelcey Ayer croons “I haven’t stopped your smoking yet / So I’ll share your cigarette / Just to feel it in my fingers” as he works to keep the memory of a lost love alive. And throughout the album, the tone is rather solemn and introspective. It’s easy to sort of imagine a man, a woman, hell, maybe even yourself, shuffling along a dimly lit street at dusk and thinking about… other times.
Listen: It’s a warm, foggy day in Cleveland. This album works perfectly in that environment.
This article appears in Jan 23-29, 2013.
Is that guy having a seizure?