When I first moved to Los Angeles, Local Natives played the soundtrack to my life for the first few months. Their pleasing, unique sound had me bobbing my head and singing along every time I would push the “play” button on my iPod and kept me happy through the brand new thing that would soon became the bane of my existence in LA: traffic. It’s no doubt that after three years of silence, I’d be ECSTATIC about a new release. And that, I am.

Hummingbird is different from their debut, Gorilla Manor, in that it’s definitely darker, and slightly more subtle in its genius. This album is deep, guys. I knew it would be, as the lead vocalists mother had passed away before the recording. I didn’t quite expect the depth of this album, though, and I’ll be honest and say at first listen I was slightly disappointed at just how heavy one of my favorite bands had become. After a few listens and more time really deconstructing the album, I’ve realized Hummingbird is a different kind of perfect. There’s more to experience lyrically, and I think that’s the best part. Producer (and member of The National) Aaron Dessner created a beautiful, full sound that doesn’t disappoint. It fits very well, just like the bright, happy sounds of Gorilla Manor did. It just fits in a different way.

This is a more mature Local Natives. They grew up. So did I. It feels appropriate, and I love it. 4/5

-s

Watch the official video for “Breakers”, the first single off of Hummingbird:

Hummingbird is released today! Check it out here.

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