Local Natives were quite taken aback by the enthusiastic reception they received Friday afternoon on the White Stage.  Although the Los Angeles quintet’s “Gorilla Manor” debut full-length won’t be released domestically until next week they drew a sizeable audience causing guitarist Taylor Rice to wonder aloud, “How do you know about us?”

The act focused on material from their new disc during their 50-minute set, including their take on the Talking Heads’ “Warning Sign” that appears on the album.  Rice, guitarist Ryan Hahn, and keyboardist and drummer Kelcey Ayer traded off vocals.  Ayer was especially impressive to watch as he often played keyboards and banged away on a drum simultaneously while turning out Local Natives wonderfully textured indie rock and post-punk tunes.

Unsurprisingly, the audience went nuts for the “I keep those chopsticks you had from when
you taught abroad in Japan,” lyric from the track “Airplanes” bringing a big ol’ collective smile to Local Natives’ faces.  Obviously quite impressed with Fuji Rock, with their performance winding down Rice commented, “This is the most beautiful festival I’ve ever been to.  You guys should be proud.  This is amazing.”

Something that all Fuji Rock veterans already know, it always nice to hear newbies say it too.

Local Natives photo report here.

*Photo by 熊沢泉