★★★☆
The latest release from American indie rockers Local Natives is a bouncy rubber ball of synth that just doesn’t stop.
But despite its high energy, the pulsating multitude of instruments are layered in such a way that it’s never overbearing.
Singer Taylor Rice’s lead vocals are distinctly haunting, particularly on ‘Past Lives’, a beautiful track that leaves you feeling genuinely full of hope and good vibes. Those selfsame injections of empowerment are lifted to even greater heights in ‘Masters’, a tune that provides a sensual jolt of youth and summons up visions of blissful ignorance supported by a carnal guitar line and rumbling vocals. It definitely feels like a soundtrack to an upcoming summer romance.
‘Coins’ is chocked with bluesy undertones, proving hazy and chill, and puts a nice spin on a singularly emotive record so vibey with unpretentious joy that it’s almost not to be believed.
Yet what’s particularly special about this release is the production: Sunlit Youth mixes some amazing acoustic melodies with old-school distortions, conjuring up scenes of a top-down summer drive to the beach, romantic and full of hope.
Sunlit YouthbyLocal Nativesis available now through Loma Vista.
