Celebrating the ten year anniversary of Hummingbird, the Ford welcomes Local Natives on August 01 2023. Words by Harriet Kaplan, Photos by Farah Sosa on behalf of the LA Philharmonic
The indie rock band Local Natives who formed in Los Angeles, CA., enthralled its devoted fan base at a recent sold-out show at Ford Theater on Wednesday, August 2nd. The big focus of the night was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hummingbird, by performing the album in its entirety. Hummingbird has darker, more ambient type of musical aesthetic.
Along with material from the other Local Natives’ LPs was played as well including Gorilla Manor which is known for a shimmering blend of dynamic tribal rhythms coupled with soaring falsetto harmonies. Sunlit Youth offers synthesizers and electronics into the mix. Violet Street goes for a more subtle, nuanced ’70s-styled adult contemporary vibe and on the act’s newest effort, Time Waits For No One, it offers up warm, multi-part harmonies plus a blend of soul and indie rock influences. Lyrically, it focuses on the idea of one getting older. Overall, each album Local Native made explores through the songwriting how they feel at certain points of their lives.
The generous, almost 20-song set included several memorable highlights including “Ceilings,” “Three Months,” “Mt. Washington,” “Columbia,” “Wide Eyes,” “NYE” Feat. Suki Waterhouse, who was on hand, performed the song live with the band.
What also made this show so special and gave it that added emotional touch and punch was the personal stories between songs that inspired their creation which were poignant, sad, melancholy, but also uplifting and funny.
The five-piece group features Taylor Rice, vocals, and guitar; Kelcey Ayer, vocals, keyboard, percussion, and guitar; Ryan Hahn, guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Matthew Frazier, drums and Nik Ewing, bass, keyboards, and vocals.
Local Natives have an inviting sound that is lush punctuated by luxurious instrumentation capped off by beautiful, swelling harmonies.
Under the starry summer night at the iconic Ford Theater was the perfect setting for a Local Natives. They are a quintessential L.A.-based band that came back like conquering heroes to their own hometown turf well received, revered, respected, and loved.
Setlist:
You & I
Heavy Feet
Ceilings
Black Spot
Breakers
Three Months
Black Balloons
Wooly Mammoth
Mt Washington
Columbia
Bowery
Set Two:
Ingrid
Wide Eyes
NYE with Suki Waterhouse
I Saw You Close Your Eyes
Megaton Mile
Just Before the Morning
Ava
Dark Days
When Am I Gonna Lose You
E: Who Knows, Who Cares
Check out the full gallery of photos of this night by Farah Sosa on behalf of the LA Philharmonic
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