Local Natives is one of Los Angeles' biggest up-and-coming bands. The five musicians met in high school in Orange County and later moved in together to hone their collaborative spirit. The group's debut album, Gorilla Manor, is named in honor of their shared abode.
Housemates Kelcey Ayer (keyboards), Ryan Hahn and Taylor Rice (guitars), Matt Frazier (drums) and Andy Hamm (bass) all collaborated on Gorilla Manor's songwriting and artwork, and the resulting 12 tracks are an emotional yet unfailingly cheerful offering. The weaving three-part harmonies and hyperactive percussion are reminiscent of bands like Fleet Foxes and Arcade Fire.
The five-piece recently supported carnivalesque Californian outfit Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, and just wrapped up a North American headlining tour. Click the link above to hear Local Natives' dynamic live show on World Cafe.
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