Watching a band grow from its infancy and blossom into a beloved world-renowned act is a beautiful thing to witness as a longtime fan and, in my case, as a music blogger/journalist. Local natives will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been championing this band for about as long as some of the first pages were published on Grimy Goods. This past Sunday, August 25, Local Natives performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Mt. Joy. What made this show all the more special was the fact that it might be the last time many fans would see the Local Natives as they know them.
Not long ago, I wrote the news that cofounder and music virtuoso Kelcey Ayer would be leaving Local Natives. Even though his departure from the band was amicable, it still stung in the hearts of many fans. As one of the last shows he would perform with Local Natives, Angelenos and fans all around Southern California came out in droves to see the band perform with Ayer for what might be the last time for many. Let’s just say it was more than bittersweet.
Local Natives hit the stage around 7 PM, ahead of Mt. Joy. It was such a gorgeous summer evening as the sun was beginning to set. The Bowl was full of warmth, and I’m not talking about the summer heat. As cheesy as it sounds, there was a lot of love in the air—love for the Local Natives and love for Kelcey Ayer.
As I sat in my seat, I could hear quiet chatter from fans, sharing memories from past Local Natives concerts and or songs they hope they play at the Hollywood Bowl. It was a warm and welcoming feel, for sure. And that is the kind of classic vibe that is felt at all Local Natives shows.
The band took us back to the good old days of the East Hollywood music scene when Gorilla Manor was our obsession. Local Natives were just getting started, opening for acts like White Rabbit (this is where I first saw them live) and headlining small venues like Spaceland (aka The Satellite) and The Echo.
As soon as I heard the iconic intro of “Airplanes,” my eyes began to well up with tears (motherhood has turned me into such a softy). Hearing the band play every instrument so beautifully, with Ayer’s magnetic vocals taking the lead on a song so dear to him, made it all the more heartwarming.
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“Sun Hands” was the sing-along-rock-the-fuck-out banger that I remembered. Don’t let the slow burn fool you. Vocalist and guitarist Taylor Rice came out into the crowd, leading us to the song’s climax. Just about the entire Bowl was standing, dancing, and clapping along to the beat, even the elders! Once he hopped back on stage and grabbed his guitar, the countdown started, and the crowd went wild. If you’ve experienced this song live, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Stoking that sweet nostalgia, the band played “Wide Eyes” and “Who Knows Who Cares.” Naturally, fans gleefully sang along.
Other songs that tugged at my heartstrings were “Past Lives” and “When Am I Gonna Lose You.” The band closed with the latter, and we were all on that sweet Local Natives high, howling along to that epic chorus.
With six albums to their name, Local Natives played a little something from each and then some. From their latest album, But I’ll Wait For You, the band got us dancing to “April.” I must say, watching Ayer move from the bongos to the keys with such gusto were some boss moves (Daniel shirt and all!) As the kids say these days, the dude has some serious rizz.
I think that’s one of the reasons why his departure from the band is so heartbreaking for fans, especially those of us who have seen them perform numerous times since their beginnings. He is such a striking voice of the Local Natives, and his musicianship is ace. But on top of all that, Ayer is just an all-around great guy, full of wit and charm.
Local Natives, as always, were a pleasure to see live. This performance at the Hollywood Bowl will surely be a core memory for long-time fans.
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After Local Natives exited the stage and after we wiped our tears, headliners Mt. Joy were up next. This was my first time seeing the band live, although I was somewhat familiar with their songs. The band was pretty amazing live and had some groovy psychedelic visuals projected in the background. From classic Americana to jazzy folk and psychedelic folk rock, Mt. Joy created much joy. And judging by the robust plumes of smoke in the air, some of us were on multiple joys.
Lead singer and guitarist Matt Quinn has a gorgeous voice. Hearing it loud through the amphitheater felt like sweet sonic kisses to our ears. I couldn’t stop staring at the older gentleman rocking out and dancing to almost every song. He was going off, feeling the vibes when Mt. Joy played “Bug Eyes.”
Mt. Joy took us to the indie-pop disco when they played their new (unreleased) song, “She Wants To Go Dancing.” The title couldn’t complement the song’s vibe any better. It is impossible not to move and groove to this jam. I absolutely loved it.
And speaking of love, I was in awe when Jackie Miclau performed an epic piano solo. With the spotlight on her and a light fog machine creating a cryptic haze, like the kind of fog you would see rolling around an English cemetery, her solo was stunning.
Throughout their set, fans were not only treated to their Mt. Joy favorites but also snippets of songs from the Grateful Dead, Pixies, and ABBA.
Mt. Joy closed with “Silver Lining.” This fan favorite already calls for an epic sing-along, and it was all the more amplified when fellow Angelenos, Local Natives joined them. What a way to close an incredible night of music from two beloved Los Angeles-based bands.
Words: Sandra Burciaga Olinger
Photography: Michelle Shiers
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