Review/Photos: Local Natives w/ GAYNGS at Stubb's in Austin, TX; 3.11.11

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Published on Monday, 14 March 2011 18:52

words by Michael Marshall
photos by Randy Cremean

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Five years ago, Justin Timberlake claimed he brought “SexyBack”. With their seductive slow jams last night at Stubb’s, Gayngs actually did. Led by founder Ryan Olson, who sauntered the entire stage, chain-smoking and pouring whiskey down the throats of his band-mates in need; Har Mar Superstar, who owned the set, covering George Michael’s “One More Try”; and Zach Coulter of Solid Gold, who constantly reminded the audience to flash their "Gayngs" signs (http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2010/10/gayngs_couldnt.html). With about half of their full lineup in force (11 by my count), Gayngs spent a full hour, and, by all means, every sexy musical element imaginable to do their thing (autotuned harmonies, both alto and soprano saxophones and lyrics to magnetize every lover in the audience). And what, you ask, is their thing? Are they performing or are they partying, or both? Are they taking themselves seriously or blowing off steam, perhaps living in a temporary world, far removed from the fans’ expectations placed on them as individual artists. Who knows, besides them of course. One thing is for sure though, they are sincerely having a great time on stage, and most likely, backstage as well.

In 2010, Local Natives blew up in the indie community as a result of their magnificent Gorilla Manor, the album most frequently played last year in my car. In less than one year, they went from playing a sold-out Antone’s last April to a sold-out Stubb’s last night, along a similar arc as Mumford and Sons. Half the fun of a Local Natives show is the crowd reaction and last night was no exception. Local Natives split up the crowd favorites, leading off with "Camera Talk", "World News" and "Warning Sign" saving "Wide Eyes", "Airplanes", "Shape Shifter" for later, and closing with everyone clapping and singing along to "Sun Hands". Words between songs were few with an exception from Taylor Rice, “Every time I come to Austin, I feel happy. We are from L.A., but Austin is very dear to our hearts.” Rice later added, “We will not play Austin again until we have a new album.” Let’s hope that’s sometime very soon.