I saw Los Angeles’ Local Natives three years ago at Way Out West Festival and have been waiting to see them live again ever since. They had such a genuine sound and tremendous energy on stage. So, heading to Debaser Medis last night I had pretty high expectations. I can tell you now I was did not leave disappointed.
They opened with Kelcey Ayes crooning in “You and I” but quickly transitioned to more upbeat songs such as “Wide Eyes” and”Heavy Feet”. They played mostly songs from their new album, “Hummingbird”, which was released just a couple of weeks ago, but it didn’t matter that I didn’t know all the words. They were so engaging on stage that I soon forgot that the songs were unfamiliar. The new sounds were peppered with classics from “Gorilla Mansion” and the crowd went wild when they played “Camera Talk” and “World News”.
Local Natives are known for their creative collaboration and it shows. Ayes on keyboard, switched positions with Taylor Rice on the guitar, and later with Ryan Hahn on the second guitar. The transition was seamless, showing not only each member’s individual musical talent but the depth of their relationship as well. I guess that’s not so surprising as the core members are old friends, forming the band in 2008 while Ayes, Rice, and Hahn were in high school together in Orange County.
Just as at Way Out West, they rocked it, playing passionately and giving their all to the crowd. Sweat dripped from every band members face as they left the stage after playing closing the encore with their 2009 hit “Sun Hands”.
I left Medis with a huge smile on my face and I’m sure I was not alone in my post-gig glow. Can’t really imagine anyone being disappointed after seeing Local Natives kill it like that.
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