Local Natives at El Rey Theatre: Show Review and Photos

Although I had never seen the Local Natives perform, I had streamed some of their music and was totally diggin’ their psych-rockin’-folk vibe. Little did I know that their on-stage live performance would surpass their audio capabilities. I absolutely love when a band sounds even better live than through the magical ways of audiotune. Even more so, I love when an opening band steels the show from the headliner.

Local Natives opened up with Glass Ghost for White Rabbits this past Monday, Nov. 2 at the El Rey Theatre. These up-and-coming Angelinos absolutely killed it! There was so much on-stage camaraderie between all five them. Whether they were switching up instruments from drums, to keys, all the way to guitar—or smiling as they sang their hearts out through the same mic, and at times even guitar punching each others chords—I totally fell in love with this band. Their high energy is insanely infectious as they incited a series of rockin’ grooves and sways for us to dance upon the show floor.

Each with unique vocals that harmonize so smoothly in the likes of 60’s doo-wop, Local Natives all contribute their vocal stylings. It’s not just one lead singer with a set of back-up vocals like most rock bands. These guys all chime in!

With each and every member of Local Natives extremely talented, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the bearded dude! Kelcey Ayer, belting out vocals and coordinating a ferocious simultaneous play of both keys and percussion—this guys is a fuckin’ amazing. Not to mention, he totally jammed out the psychedelic fuzz as he switched up to the guitar at the end of their set. Sheer radness!

Local Natives have now become one of my newest favorites, and not only in the LA scene, but all over. Go see their live show! Get their new EP, it’s only available at the moment in the UK, but you can always pick it up at their shows.

Words: Sandy B.

Photos: Craig Parker

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7 Responses to “Local Natives at El Rey Theatre: Show Review and Photos”

38 Sure Ways to Market Your Band With Little to No Budget! « Grimy Goods says:
February 25, 2010 at 3:23 pm
[...] Cole, is always participating with other bands. The past few months I saw him perform with Soko and Local Natives. Brooklyn’s White Rabbits somehow managed to get Britt Daniel to play a song with them back [...]
Local Natives at the Echo – Photos and Review « Grimy Goods says:
December 28, 2009 at 2:19 pm
[...] my way to the Echo on Dec 22, 2009, I didn’t know what to expect. The Local Natives show was sold out and I had a hunch there would be some kick ass music and excellent facial hair. [...]
What Shows Are Going On This Week In LA? (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009) « Grimy Goods says:
December 21, 2009 at 10:34 am
[...] Slim pickings this Christmad week! We got a whole lot of Lady Gag-Me but the best show this week is definitely LA’s very own LOCAL NATIVES! [...]
Sandy says:
November 6, 2009 at 10:00 am
glad my opinion doesn’t stand alone! xo
anna says:
November 6, 2009 at 12:24 am
Yeah we saw them at el rey too. loved glass ghost and especially local natives. so good. and we left after one song from white rabbits
Stephanie Steemroller! says:
November 4, 2009 at 8:36 pm
These guys will be the next biggest thing! They were so good at El Ray!
Ryan says:
November 4, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Totally agree! These guys are way better than White Rabbits. Great show!