Local Natives, Caveman, Greylag [monday Threesome]

Welcome to another Monday Threesome! Though this past weekend has been a mixture of uncomfortable cold and snow, we here are in a jovial state of mind. Local Natives are hard at work on their new album, which prompted us to listen to their last release with a fresh ear, along with two other bands who have a similar sound. These are youthful, energetic groups with buoyant harmonies, driving tribal drums, afro-guitar sensibilities and simple pop melodies/lyrics. The rustic nature of these songs matches the snowy weather, but they’re also definitely a cure for the seasonal-affective disorder blues.

Local Natives (@localnatives) exploded onto the scene a few years ago with an album that sounded as though Fleet Foxes got really into Graceland. Their success was almost immediate, and for good reason — the hyper-active snare drum work, sounding like African percussion played on a rock drum kit, kept the songs gracefully but forcefully moving forward, and the multi-vocalist approach kept the songs fresh. The live videos below really demonstrate the energy that this band brings to their work and the stage. One is an entire set from the Sasquatch music festival and the other is a single, acoustic live video that allows you to actually see how the band creates their sound (below). Keep an eye out, as their upcoming second full-length is sure to be one of the more exciting releases this year.

We’ve got a brand new one for you here. Greylag (@greylagmusic) are the most rustic of the bands featured this week, working mostly with acoustic guitars and tribal drum beats along with a small amount of pedal steel to accentuate the basic instrumentation. Meshed with beautiful harmonies, the music sounds as though The Big Pink were rooted in Americana. Don’t let them fool you though, they are still writing hooky pop music — it’s simply informed by those influences. Listen to their entire EP The Only Way to Kill You below!

Caveman (@cavemanband), a recent addition to Fat Possum Records, may have already earned a gushing review from us, but we want to really ensure that you’re listening. While this group is the most psychedelic of the bands presented this week, they’re also the most hushed. The drums are still tribal, but they’re played more quietly and slowly, and the guitars are still wiggly, but they’re slightly more hazy and in the background. There is a blissful, drugged out quality to the music — listen to the way the hazy keys and guitars drone and buzz prettily while the main vocals chant like a mantra on “A Country’s King of Dreams”. Don’t get me wrong, these guys aren’t Prince Rama, and their psych elements are never difficult or harsh. They’re writing fairly simple, beautiful pop songs with a minimal but colorful instrumental backing and gauzy production.

Buy their debut record, CoCo Beware, here.