Local Natives

It's strange that it would take a quintet of Californians to create the perfect distillation of Brooklyn's potent music scene, but that's exactly what L.A.'s Local Natives have done on their debut full-length. Only now receiving a North American release after being available in Europe for the last three months, Gorilla Manor combines Yeasayer's Afro-pop beats, Grizzly Bear's vocal harmonies and Dirty Projectors' inventive guitar playing into an easy, breezy California cool — an indie rock version of the famed Laurel Canyon sound of the early '70s. The tracks are incredibly varied; a mix of slow burners, sprightly pop and straight up anthems help keep up the disc's momentum. With the amalgam of sounds, Local Natives run the risk of burying their personality under the weight of their influences. But when the tunes are this good that's a concern better left for album number two.