When I saw the Kooks live back in 2008, the opening band The Morning Benders came out of no where and blew me away. I bought their debut album immediately after and it made my best albums of 2008 at #23, as well as being called one of the ignored gem’s of 2008. It is now 2010, and the band is back!
Their new album is called Big Echo, and it is being promoted by it’s first single “Promises”. On first listen, it is somewhat different than what we got on their debut album. This may have to due with Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear sharing production duties with lead singer Chris Chu. Chris Taylor was the producer of The Department Of Eages album, In Ear Park, and you can definetly hear some familiarities with his production! The Morning Benders still have their same excellent pop writing at the forefront, but the production gives it an almost darker vibe that gives them an entirely new look. This definitely works for the better!
“Promises” sounds like a tighter, more confident, Morning Benders ready to take over the new decade! The Morning Benders are one of the most criminally underrated acts making music today. Hopefully this album will get more people noticing and appreciating what they have to offer! Chris Chu’s song writing is best described as “coming of age” with lyrics about “growing up too fast”. We have all been there, I currently am at this state of mind. Maybe that is a part of why I connect so well to his music! The Morning Benders definitely took things to a new level here! This is great!!
Big Echo drops 3/12, and you can preorder it from insound right now. Their are 500 copies of the 7 inch for Promises left, which you can buy right here.
[mp3] : The Morning Benders – Promises
katie — 11 Jan 10
these guys are really talented. can’t wait to hear more and more and more.
damnit anna — 13 Jan 10
i’m not sure if i dig this type of production for the benders.
[Video] The Morning Benders – Excuses (With The Big Echo Orchestra) | We All Want Someone To Shout For — 11 Feb 10
[...] finest, and so far all the songs that we have heard from it (check out “Promises” right here) are fantastic. What’s not to love about the [...]