Less than a year since their last headliner, OC-based indie rockers, Local Natives, returned to the House of Blues in Boston. The band is currently on tour to celebrate the release of their fifth studio record, Time Will Wait for No One, released in July on Loma Vista Recordings.
Going strong for nearly two decades, Local Natives have been one of the most consistent bands in indie rock since their inception. They have carefully crafted a peculiar sound of bohemian alt-rock that intertwines layered vocal harmonies and driving drum beats, all complimented by intricate guitar and keyboard tracks. The group hit their stride following the release of their 2010 debut album, Gorilla Manor, as well as a series of performances at South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Over the years since their initial success, Local Natives has released five full length records and three EPs, one of which (Music from the Pen Gala 1983) was a series of covers that were recorded for an Apple TV+ original series The Shrink Next Door, where the group also appeared on screen as a cover band.
The show started with a brief acapella intro from singers Kelcey Ayer, Ryan Hahn and Taylor Rice before they launched into the title track from their new album, with a seamless transition into the second track “Just Before the Morning.” In between songs, the band takes a moment to trade instruments and switch the lineup, one of many that occurred throughout the set to allow each member to shine with every change. Taylor Rice puts his guitar down on a stand and introduces the next song as its live debut, a treat for many as they count in to “Featherweight.” Rice walks to the edge of the stage and sings to the crowd before jumping into the pit area and hopping up on the barricade to join the fun with the first few rows.
After four new tracks, the band took a trip down their discography and worked backwards, starting with their standout tracks from 2019’s Violet Street and their single “Coins” from Sunlit Youth. Kelcey Ayer took a moment to address the crowd and the group’s love for Boston, claiming the city was among the first to welcome them with open arms. “Shoutout T.T. the Bears!” yells Ayer, referencing the legendary music venue in Cambridge that has since been replaced by Sonia, the sister location to the Middle East. The classic piano sound marches in as Ayer leads the group into the first song they wrote together, “Airplanes,” which chronicles his grandfather’s life as a mechanical engineer at Boeing.
Fans new and old were met with a solid variety of music from Local Natives, spanning their entire discography over the last decade (and then some). The Time Will Wait for No One tour continues through September, when the band will finish back home in California.
LISTEN TO LOCAL NATIVES HERE!
CATCH LOCAL NATIVES ON TOUR HERE!
