ROCKTOBER PART II: LOCAL NATIVES @ Cannery Ballroom// Album of the Week

Jabroskis, welcome back for round 2. Charlie and I saddled up our finest steeds, and with nothing but the shirts on our backs and every single thing I could cram into my SUV, we headed South. I am a huge fan of road trips as they always present a unique opportunity to meld sights and sounds and enter some deep contemplation.

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The relaxing drive to Nashville was made all the more enjoyable when the soundtrack was provided by LA rising stars Local Natives. Their debut full-length Gorilla Manor (the title was inspired by an Orange County home shared by the band members) is one of the front-runners for album of the year, bringing a fresh take to a sound reminiscent of Fleet Foxes or Grizzly Bear. The songs on Gorilla Manor set Local Natives apart from those peers because of their masterful execution of that sound, adding tribal percussion and soaring harmonies that beg you to sing along. Check out this incredible acoustic version of "Wide Eyes" and a full report of the show after the jump!

Our arrival to Nashville included a reunion with my dear cousin, and after a night at his abode, I can say that the real Gorilla Manor must have been an amazing place to inspire such incredible music. Their Nashville edition was equally amazing for Charlie and I, and by the time we all made it to Cannery Ballroom, it was clear we were witnessing something special. Shows like the one Local Natives put on that Thursday remind me why I love music more than anything else.

  They opened with "Camera Talk" , and the crowd was prepared and energetic, never hesitating to join in throwing their voices to the heavens as the band rattled off every song from Gorilla Manor. The reason I truly believe Local Natives are destined for greatness was the way they performed: each song was played with even more energy, emotion, and genuine passion than on the studio versions. To see the camaraderie, chemistry, and friendship this band shares shine through their live music and spread to others is what music is all about.

Here is a video captured from the show of "Warning Sign", a Talking Heads cover completely reimagined. Definitely one of the highlights of the set.

They brought the hammer down in the encore with the blistering "Sun Hands." This song along was worth the price of admission, and I implore anyone with the opportunity to see this display of energy and talent for yourselves.

After the lights faded in Nashville, everyone couldn't help but leave smiling at what they just witnessed. This post-concert bliss carried over into a legendary weekend with the other HNW Jabronis in Lexington, and all the while I kept coming back to the melodies of Gorilla Manor. To celebrate the ascent of Local Natives and to wish them continued success, Album of the Week belongs to Gorilla Manor. Listen to it with a friend. 5ee u @ deadmau5!

 



****Bonus videos****

Local Natives covering Simon and Garfunkel, live from Gorilla Manor

Clearly I cannot get enough and neither should you. Go buy that shit

and this one is dedicated to Scoob, great times