Hot off their critically-acclaimed 2010 release Gorilla Manor, Local Natives return with Hummingbird, bringing with them a new sense of maturity and complexity. Although still possessing an authentic feel, Hummingbird presents a dramatic shift in sound, trading light, airy tones for heavy, intimate tracks that reflect the group’s coming-of-age.

Nevertheless, the band does not entirely abandon their youthful vigour, as demonstrated by tracks like “Breakers” and “Black Balloon.” On this sophomore effort, Local Natives beautifully embrace a new arena-filling sound, utilizing a more streamlined feel and form-fitting syncopated drum patterns. The band is now writing more multi-faceted sentimental pieces that lend Hummingbird a long lasting satisfaction, allowing the listener to dig deep into these emotionally layered tracks, offering something new with every listen.

Beginning with “You & I,” Hummingbird progresses into a mournful trip. The album explores despondent youth, while embracing a melancholic atmosphere reminiscent of The National (whose guitarist co-produced). On Hummingbird, one will not find the likes of Gorilla Manor’s fast-paced garage rock, but rather moody ballads like “Three Months.” Themes of uncertainty and inadequacy surface throughout the album as well, such as on “Breakers,” the album’s lead single, where singer Kelcey Ayer croons, “Waiting for my words to catch like I’m trying/ To strike a match that’s soaking wet,”—a desperate cry to be understood.

Hummingbird may be a less melodic and vibrant record than Gorilla Manor, but this sacrifice of youthful glamour is not unwarranted. The adoption of intimacy and complexity in Hummingbird establishes Local Natives as serious, versatile songwriters who are here to stay.