SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LOCAL NATIVES – SOUR LEMON

Local Natives
Sour Lemon
Loma Vista Recordings

Local Natives has been busy since the release of Violet Street in 2019. They are back, and their newest project is a four-song EP called Sour Lemon. 

The opening track, “Lemon,” features singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten, and is centered around an acoustic guitar and soft vocals. This is a surprise, given that Violet Street and Van Etten’s most recent album, Remind Me Tomorrow, both feature more electronic production and a more maximalist sound. However, the track is solid, conjuring images of gentle summer days.

“Statues In The Garden (Arras)” is more in line with Violet Street, featuring layered melodies and buzzing synths. The music video, created by Jamie K. Wolfe, is a psychedelic trip, reminiscent of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine videos.

“Lost” is a highlight on the EP. The production really excels here, the sparse and shifting instrumentation highlighting the clear and confident vocals. Meanwhile, “Future Lover” feels similar to “Dark Days,” with reverb-drenched guitar riffs and dreamy production.

Overall, Sour Lemon displays the different directions that the band has moved in, while still feeling cohesive. It feels like a confident continuation of their previous work, yet has a sense of ease that was not apparent on Violet Street. This four-track EP is a solid release from a band that has reached maturity.

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