I've seen stranger things

Local Natives continue to prove their star pedigree with this fabulous video done by La Blogotheque. I've loved their album Gorilla Manor pretty much ever since it came out - it's full of well-crafted, melodic songs with beautiful harmonies and interesting percussion. This video seems to demonstrate that its not just studio trickery that creates those harmonies either - they're bang in tune for the whole thing. Furthermore, it seems to create this perfect idea of them as some kind of wandering band of minstrels (an idea that their song Camera Talk also backs up). Beautifully shot, it even manages to make the toilets of some skanky bar look artistic. When I wrote about Local Natives before, I was chatting about I think they have a very slick production, that they're very clued up in the best way to market themselves. I think the video definitely confirms that (as a lot of the La Blogotheque ones do) but that it also makes me feel that these guys have the talent to back it up, and that they really deserve success (perhaps demonstrating just how effective their marketing is? Haha, whatever, I don't care!). After seeing Vampire Weekend at Brixton Academy do a disappointing show a couple of weeks ago, it seems a shame if Local Natives, who are possibly more talented than VW, don't make it at least as big as them.

The most beautiful colours chase the sun

Local Natives are officially the next big thing. Compared by some to Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes with good reason, they combine the interesting African drum rhythms of Vampire Weekend, the folky harmonies of Fleet Foxes and the overarching heart-aching melodies of Arcade Fire to powerful and infectious effect. Airplanes, the first song I heard by Local Natives, didn't immediately blow me away I have to admit; it sounded too much like a dozen other indie bands. But the plaintive refrain of the chorus (I love it all/So much I call/I want you back) stayed with me, and when I heard Sun Hands, a slightly darker, more percussive track, I knew that Local Natives were ones to watch. The five guys are clearly intelligent and passionate about what they do - you can see evidence of this in their blog - but you also get the impression that this is a band driven to achieve success and recognition, especially after checking out their slick myspace. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because the songs are worthy of success and recognition, but get ready for them to be name-checked a thousand times in the next year!

Local Natives are currently on the NME Radar tour along with Golden Silvers, Marina & the Diamonds and Yes Giantess - a pretty stellar line up! Debut album, Gorilla Manor is released on the 2nd November.

Check out their awesome cover of Simon & Garfunkel's Cecilia below: