What?Do you think the Shins’ latest effort was too depressing?Do you wish Dr. Dog albums arrived with a glossier production?Never fear! There’s hope, and it comes in the form of Berkeley, CA’s the Morning Benders.The indie-pop act’s debut full-length, Talking Through Tin Cans, was released this past Tuesday (May 6), and inside its packaging resides eleven jaunty, melodic tunes ideal for summer days and rainy afternoons. Opener “Damnit Anna” features shuffling acoustic guitar, harmonic vocal breakdowns, and a Pet Sounds-esque backbeat, while songs like “Boarded Doors” and “Wasted Time” rhythmically groove and melodically soothe — at the same time!
Who?The Morning Benders — Chris Chu (vocals/guitar), Joe Ferrell (guitar/Rhodes), Julian Harmon (drums), and Tim Or (bass) — dropped two self-released EPs (2006’s Loose Change and 2007’s Boarded Doors) while paying their dues opening for renowned acts such as Yo La Tengo, Yeasayer, and MGMT. Glowing mentions in the Bay Area press and on the internet alike only added to the Benders’ increasing popularity; currently, they are on a U.S. tour with the Kooks.
Fun Fact:According to Morning Benders lore, the four boys all met while working on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disney Land. Once the ride was shut down, the quartet ditched the theme park career path and formed a band.
Now Hear This: “Boarded Doors” (DOWNLOAD MP3)
Now Watch This: “Crosseyed” (acoustic)https://www.youtube.com/embed/68BNEOJH8PU
