The Morning Benders‘ latest release, Big Echo, is an album that I can, and have, recommended to just about everyone. It’s catchy and accessible (two dirty indie words), with enough surprises to charm even those jaded cranks at Pitchfork. It’s lo-fi but layered with a wide-open wall of sound (hence the name), and it’s got a waltz or two. What’s not to love?
The baby-faced Bay Area foursome were back in town at Neumo’s last night, marking the third time they’ve played Seattle in, oh, six months. So they’re practically family, which explains why singer Chris Chu is easily able to point out fans from previous shows. If anything brings folks back over and over again (or wins them over for the first time), it’s set closer “Excuses” with its lilting, melancholy cadence and shimmery, can’t-help-but-lift-your-voice-up-in-song melodies.
Pro Tip: If the Morning Benders ever give you the chance to vote on the encore, and it’s a choice between anything (in this case, a new song) and a Fleetwood Mac cover, you gotta go for the Mac*. Last night’s finale, “Dreams,” was uncannily dead-on.
*An exception may be made for Blue Album-era Weezer, as that is the best encore cover choice for nearly every band.
