“Big Echo” The Morning Benders
This is the second full-length album for the Morning Benders, a band with local ties that frequently plays the club scene in San Francisco. In “Big Echo”, the Morning Benders have produced an impressive indie pop-rock CD that covers a lot of ground — as opposed to the more narrowly focused jangle pop of their debut CD. The tracks range from bouncy pop with great hooks to more experimental noise-rock sounds similar to Grizzly Bear, whose Chris Taylor helped produce this album. Lots of synth effects, and jagged guitars in places. Overall, there’s a lot to like here. No FCCs.
— Francis
Recommended: 3, 9, 1, 4, 10 — but you’ll find others

1. (5:17) Starts with vinyl scratches, like a needle drop. Song is a nostalgic 1950s throwback (with synth updates). Rich harmonies. Soaring strings. Great hook. ***
2. (3:04) Mid-tempo Indie rock. Bigger guitars and thumping bass. Interesting composition with tempo and key changes (to 3/4 time at one point).
3. (3:55) Bouncy pop with a can’t-miss hook. Synth effects throughout. Hard to get this tune out of your head. ***
4. (1:44) Up-tempo, high-energy composition. Strumming guitar, timpani, glockenspiel, and nice harmonies. Ends abruptly.**
5. (4:29) Slower tempo with some jazzy undertones. Meandering melody. Beatles-like harmonies in lead break. Ends with long synth trailout
6. (3:46) Slow fade in. Jagged electric guitar provides harder edge, with high wistful vocals as a counterpoint.
7. (4:45) Slow jazzy number, with lots of synth and drums. Lead break features electric guitar played off against drum flourishes.
8. (3:39) Mid-tempo, driven pop-rock. Also has a harder edge. Lots of drums and noise.
9. (5:04) After electronic squeals, tune starts softly and slowly, but builds immensely in layers and volume. Breathy vocals. Jangly guitars.***
10. (3:15) Soft, slow choir-like vocals, and lots of synth effects for a ghostly feel. Crunchy guitar added just past the song’s midpoint.**