Show Review: Local Natives @ Stubbs (3/11)
So I am standing in line to see Source Code at SxSW Film and read the email that I have press for Local Natives. Panic. A quick check of the show’s stage times and the movie’ running time, I should be able to make Local Natives no problem at the sacrifice of time in the pit for Gayngs. We all make sacrifices. The movie got a late start, and thankfully so did the show at Stubb’s. A very good show as those of you who have seen Local Natives will attest…
Having bailed on the Q&A, I made my way into Stubb’s with Gayngs doing their thing. They were knee deep into a heartfelt rendition of George Michael’s “One More Try”. There is zero chance that this side project of many of Indie’s Elite will ever be anything but a fun show so just go. Auto tune in full effect, slow jams, certainly a contrasting opener. Let’s keep this “super group” a little secret between us.
Local Natives took the stage for the official intro after a brief set up and sound check. They kicked things off with “Camera Talk”, a song that begins with an emphasis on percussion and moves on to highlight the all too natural harmonizing of Kelcey Ayer, Ryan Hahn, and Taylor Rice. It was a strong start to a show where lately many bands have eased in to their sets. It was precise and strong.
The next moment of bliss for me hit with “Airplanes”. The extra punch of the live performance displayed their vocal prowess. After was a bit of a change up; they brought out a string quartet for what the set list says was “Sticky Thread” with a slowed down and unrecognizable arrangement (I had lost count here after a brief venue departure for a personal SxSW crisis scenario involving a tie-wrap and photo tag). They finished out the regular set with “Who Knows Who Cares”, the crowds vocals at times drowning out that of the band’s. A brief break and the band came up to lay out “Sun Hands”, they promised to be back soon, with new material in tow. I for one will be there.
You can see more photos on Brian’s website.
