The Morning Benders

Big Echo

Rough Trade Records

Grade: B-

Rocks like:… The Morning Benders

Big Echo

Rough Trade Records

Grade: B-

Rocks like: Grizzly Bear, Cold War Kids

The Morning Benders went from making music on laptops in college dorm rooms to the top of the pop scene — and its sophomore album, Big Echo, was the ticket there.

Each song on Big Echo, although beautiful in entirety, is confident and safe.

This album is a mix of style and technique from different eras and genres. It oozes with the band’s various influences from the psychedelic pop of the ’60s to the new wave of indie rock.

Although it’s obvious that The Morning Benders made serious attempts to find its sound, the blurred distinction between the ending tracks only shows that the band has yet to discover its ability.

Without the risks, Big Echo still rings with the diversity of classic modernity and sugary romanticism for which the band strove.

The Morning Benders’ front man Chris Chu and Grizzly Bear bassist Chris Taylor partnered to produce a high-quality, multi-layered album different from anything else before it.

It opens with the pure and melancholy love song, “Excuses.” The single is introduced by a nine-note melting violin solo much like the one found in Etta James’ “At Last.”

With diverse instrumentation and adoringly honest lyrics, the opener is an invitation to the pure-hearted experience that’s interweaved through tracks that follow.

Aside from front man Chu’s smooth, impressive and lush vocals, the band’s diversity within their pop element is what sets it apart.

From the upbeat “Cold War” to the woozily somber “Pleasure Signs,” there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Even though there is room for improvement, the album still echoes one big message — The Morning Benders are here to stay.