Excuses, the powerhouse opener of The Morning Benders second release, Big Echo, proves right off the bat that they mean business. Fortunately, the business seems to be one that sets up shop on the beach and lays around all day, relaxing, loving life, the people within it, and feeling generally good about being alive. The song is all encompassing, and it soothes you into a state of sublimity. There are some records that scream for the sunlight, and with the help of Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear, The Morning Benders create the first, perfect summer album of the year.
The rays of the sun continue to fall through into the second song. Promises, while sounding like Foreign Born, creates it’s own niche in the sand and digs in deep to keep the tide from washing it away. Wet Cement,Cold War (Nice Clean Fight), and Pleasure Sighs start to slow things down, recreating the feelings of Summer Hymns without the sticky, uncomfortable, sweatiness of the South-East. Instead, the warm air is combined with a breeze of cool air coming off the Pacific, keeping you completely comfortable and relaxed.
The influence of Mr. Taylor is quite noticeable. His production touch on the sound of the guitars harkens back to Veckatimest, while the vast and varied assortment of instruments all find their specific place, and fit there perfectly, creating a wall of sound that in unrivaled in it’s unassuming smoothness. All Day Daylight, and Stitched continue to convert the power of the sun into an audible representation that is so pleasing to listen to I believe my ears to have been sunburned after taking my headphones off. This album is exceptional on headphones, you will rejoice when listening to all the nuances elegantly structured into every song. Although incredible on headphones, the best place to experience a great summer album is driving in your car. Blasting these songs while driving with the windows down is a mysterious pleasure that every music lover has, but is somehow unable to explain. It just sounds right.
The ending of the album closes with Sleeping In. Another great song that slows the album down, and brings a sunset to end a beautiful day. I highly recommend this album; not only does it perpetuate the pleasures of summer, but it persuades your mind to succumb to it’s intricacies, and believe me, you will be glad you did.
Woah. Just finished the first song, and I’m in love.