Native Sun – Language of Concrete

      A lively debut album that reflects their live energy...

      New Yorkers Native Sun release their eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Concrete Language’, through the emerging tastemaker label TODO. The band consists of Colombian-born Danny Gomez (vocals/guitar), Justin Barry (bass/vocals), Jack Hiltabidle (guitar), and Argentine-born Nicolas Espinosa (drums), and they have crafted an album brimming with garage rock across various tempos and styles. The opening track, ‘Down My Line’, establishes the album's tone with a fast-paced start, showcasing gritty rock vocals that don't relent. Featuring a captivating mid-song drum roll and guitars buzzing with feedback, it becomes deliciously chaotic towards the end. The track gradually fades out, allowing the instrumentation to reach a triumphant finish.

      Transitioning sharply, ‘Tizz’ adopts a more leisurely, slacker rhythm. Reflective in nature, Gomez sings, “come take a ride in my subconscious,” conveying a sense of frustration through his passionate delivery. The poignant lyrics further express this sentiment with “the exasperation keeps bleeding me dry.” ‘I Need Nothing’ pays tribute to the Stone Roses with a funky bassline and Ian Brown-like vocals. The title raises questions—is it a statement or a positive affirmation? In ‘I Need Nothing’, the electric guitar dominates, behaving like a restless child while the drums maintain a consistent pace as an anchor. At under two minutes, one might assume ‘This Mess’ is a moment to catch one’s breath, but it quickly proves otherwise. Fierce and raw, ‘This Mess’ bursts forth with energy, manifesting freedom through its pounding drums and wild vocals; it’s undeniably a track worthy of repeat listens.

      Next is the light-hearted indie track ‘Squash’, which slows things down, featuring beautifully layered vocals against the drumbeat. Inspired by the early morning when lingering night owls meet those starting their day, the reflective nature of ‘Squash’ is echoed in its more moderate tempo. The indie vibe carries on with added swagger in ‘Whose Kids’. The jarring repetition of “I want to die” juxtaposes with the lighter “ooh’s” and “yeah’s,” and the screeching guitar outro closely aligns with the song's themes.

      ‘Adam’ stands out on ‘Concrete Language’, reverting to edgy rock and roll with nods to New York, while the communal chorus enhances the feeling of camaraderie. The pace exhilaratingly accelerates in the final third, taking listeners along for the ride before reaching a chaotic climax just before it unravels. ‘Go Out And Play’ emphasizes rock over roll, infused with deep emotional vocals. The repeated line “I want to fly in the sky” may convey a longing for liberation from today’s stresses. The drums assert their presence in ‘No’, which explores thoughtful themes. The struggle to maintain one’s identity while facing various pressures is relatable, complemented by slow rock sections and powerful lyrics underscoring the frustrations. The rising emotion culminates towards the end, leaving the turmoil unresolved.

      ‘In The Light’ introduces a more serene mood as the album approaches its end, though Native Sun thrillingly seems to wrestle with maintaining that ambience, soon rising again in intensity, albeit not as frenzied as earlier tracks. The album closes with ‘All I Can See’, which offers a gentle conclusion marked by thoughtful lyrics and mellow vocals. Native Sun opts to end their debut album with a track that deviates from their typical sound, a choice worth celebrating. ‘Concrete Language’ is a remarkable journey that encapsulates the exuberance of the band’s live performance. Now, it’s time to check the tour schedules as they head to the UK and Europe for the first time this autumn.

      8/10

      Words: Julia Mason