The Morning Benders – Big Echo (rough trade)

The second full length release from "The Morning Benders" is a well crafted ride through indie-rock bliss. Opening with the seasick rhythm of "Excuses," which sounds like it was recorded in a church or a large hall. The album begins with a shaky organ, violin, and a marching snare, followed by a stagering vocal on the verse to the Beatle-esque harmonies which take the infectious melody to the dreamy chorus. The chorus makes you want to sing along and sway back and forth, beer mug or absinthe in hand.

Other key tracks include, "Hand Me Downs," the upbeat jingle of "Cold War," and "Promises" with its odd time riff and hand claps take you to to edge of the cliff, just to lift you back up into another stellar verse. Some of the more mellow songs like, "Pleasure Sighs" and "Mason Jar" don't seem to really go anywhere exciting, but the album as a whole, is pretty close to flawless.

The Morning Benders have really nailed down what they were going for, and I believe that is a collection of songs that sound modern and yet vintage at the same time, without coming off as trying too hard. Well done.

The Score: 8 out of 10 bells
The Math: a Magical Mystery Tour - John, Paul, George, & Ringo = Big Echo