THE MORNING BENDERS – Big Echo

In the span of only five years, The Morning Benders have had a total of eight releases.  Their newest effort, Big Echo, reveals a mix of jaunty tunes filled with handclaps, tripped-out guitar effects and forceful drum beats.

The album starts off with the song “Excuses,” an acoustic guitar- and drum-driven tune that has a very carefree feel to it. There is an almost do-wop feel to the song and the orchestral accompaniment reminds me of Etta James’ timeless song of love “At Last.”

Many of the tracks on Big Echo have a very mellow, almost dreamy feel to them. Take the song “Pleasure Sighs,” a very laid back cut that almost creeps along at a snail’s pace in tempo. The vocals are light and airy and whimsical at times. There are a few faster tracks that pop up here and there on the album. “Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)” is an upbeat song full of claps and jamming acoustic guitar, and “All Day Daylight” is a heavily drummed tune that features electronic distortion and both electric and acoustic guitars.

The easygoing, smooth-flowing feel of this album makes this a pleasant listen for those who fancy the indie pop sound.

(Rough Trade Records, 66 Golborne Road, London UK  W10 5PS)