The Morning Benders @ Sala Rossa

On April 15^th, Califfornia’s own sound of the sixties, The Morning Benders, kept the Sala Rosa in stiches for the better part of an amazing evening. 

It came on a positive night for Montrealers, as the Montreal Canadians just managed a come from behind victory against Alexander Ovechkin and the favoured-to-win Capitals, and post-season hockey victories mark the beginning of a memorable night for most Montrealers. News of this victory quickly circulated throughout the youthful, college-aged crowd, and as if by clockwork the concert began immediately following the hockey game's conclusion.  

The four fresh-faced band members took to the stage, brimming over with musical potential as well as inexperience, and they began to wow the crowd. The ayout of those attending was predominantly female at the front of the venue with a more mixed crowd sitting and in the back, but all attendees seemed to be in or close to a college demographic. Originally hailing from Berlkley California, the band has recently moved to New York where they wrote their most recent album, Big Echo, an album they played in its entirety during the show.

Upon this announcement I realized I’d probably have the pleasure of taking in most of their repertoire in one show. Big Echo, their second studio album was co-produced by lead vocalist Chris Chu and Chris Taylor of the band Grizzly Bear and contains elements similar to Coldplay, Hayden (see the song "Excuses"), and a variety of sixties pop rock. Now I haven’t heard much Grizzly Bear, who are a band categorized as psychedelic pop, but their sounds are fairly different than that of the Morning Benders. The real similarity or gift that Chris Taylor has brought to the Morning Benders sound is their vocal harmonies. Beautiful, well-timed vocal harmonies that prompt me to make comparisons between these bands and the Beatles. It definitely rings true with that sixties sound. 

When I found out I was covering the Morning Benders over a month ago I wasn’t especially enthusiastic, their concert was fourth on my shortlist behind the likes of Air, RJD2 and Sia. Looking back, and now unable to stop the Morning Benders song "Promises" from looping endlessly in my head, I feel quite fortunate to have seen this talented young band at such an early stage in what could potentially be a great musical career. It’s the kin of concert any true fan will envy my having been their in the years to come, and will even squawk if they discover I went somewhat reluctantly. Are they this kind of band? This remains to be seen. 

Definetly check out their new album, Big Echo, or just check out their Myspace for the songs "Excuses" and "Promises".