Big Echo is an apt title for the latest album from The Morning Benders. This young band from San Francisco writes big theatrical songs through a haze of Phil Spector reverb. Despite the grandiose nature of the songs, The Morning Benders never over-extend themselves. Each song is rooted in a simple beat or hook, with just the right adornment layered on top.
Opening track "Excuses" wastes no time bringing in the string arrangements as the drums slowly build the song to one crescendo after another. Later, "Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)" is a clean pop song that wouldn't sound out of place on a Spoon record. And that is then followed by "Pleasure Signs", which could easily be mistaken for Grizzly Bear. As a result, The Morning Benders have made a record with a singular sound that is incredibly dynamic and rewarding at every turn.
Recommended If You Like:
Grizzly Bear, The Shins, Beach Boys, California Dreamin'
Looks Like:
the sun setting at the beach with the skyline at your back.
Feels Like:
a day off from work, when you let the day take you wherever it wants to go.
Smells Like:
salty air.
Listen to When:
your day needs something bright.
Vinyl the Cat says:
This record is more infectious than those flea bites that I'm allergic to.
The Morning Benders - Excuses
The Morning Benders - Cold War (Nice Clean Fight) |
