Sounding startlingly fully formed, and combining immaculate vocal harmonies with off-kilter indie-pop they occupied an enviable sweet spot between Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend. Met with almost universal critical acclaim the only issue it created for the band was in deciding what came next.
But instead of looking outwards the group focussed in on themselves for their follow-up Hummingbird, and with the help of Aaron Dessner on production duties they created a more insular, less immediate, but ultimately far more rewarding record that holds a special place in the hearts of their fans.
In the intervening years, the LA five-piece have become a genre staple, but in the four years since their last release Violet Street the question has once again raised its head. What next?
The answer lies close to home. On Time Will Wait For No One, Local Natives explore their own personal struggles and victories, marrying alienation and election to provide a snapshot of lives that are never easy, but worth living because of it. The band have always had a hi-fi sound, but with John Congleton lending a hand with production their fifth record occupies another realm of indie-pop perfection. And yet the songs never suffer from the lavish sheen they are treated to. On “Desert Snow” for example, the band never put a foot wrong, but the shuddering guitar riff in its closing moments still lands like a right hook.
More than one moment on the record finds Local Natives looking for connection – or living in fear of it being severed. On the crimson-tinged, soul-bearing “Ava” there is a repeated question of “How do I reach you?” The query could be either physical or emotional, with the emotional weight of both being just as heartbreaking.
The record has a number of heavy themes to unpack, but it is also heartening to hear the band cut loose on “NYE”, and as they propel into a runaway bass line and snap of drums, you can almost hear the smiles on their faces. And who would begrudge them a moment of levity? It serves as a chance for them both personally and professionally to take stock of what they have and how far they have come. It’s true that time waits for no one, but what Local Natives have done with theirs is create another complex, immersive record that tackles life's toughest times while basking in its most rewarding moments.
