The Morning Benders are an indie rock band from Berkeley, California, now based in Brooklyn, New York.
In 2008, they released their debut album Talking Through Tin Cans on +1 Records. The band has toured in support of Broken Bells (spring 2010), Grizzly Bear (fall 2009), The Kooks and Death Cab for Cutie (summer 2008), Ra Ra Riot (fall 2008), and has also played with Yo La Tengo, MGMT, Grand Archives, Yeasayer, Two Gallants, The Rosebuds, Au Revoir Simone, We Are Scientists, and White Rabbits.[citation needed] They also toured with Broken Bells and The Black Keys in 2010.
In December 2008, iTunes deemed Talking Through Tin Cans the best indie/alternative album of 2008. Earlier that year, they also received the honor of "Editor's Pick".In March 2010, the popular music website Pitchfork deemed their 2nd studio album, Big Echo, Best New Music, and gave it an 8.2 rating.
In early 2007, the morning benders released a second EP titled "Boarded Doors." This EP had been recorded in the basement of the band which was where they practiced. During this time, Chris started to work as a studio engineer to help to pay his band's recordings.
Their debut album "Talking Through Tin Cans" was both produced, engineered and mixed by Chris Chu. It was released on their label +1 records. People had called the style of this album to be "So-Cal 60's Pop". They had toured with various acts including The Kooks and Death Cab For Cutie. In December, ITunes considered this album to be the best indie/alternative album of 2008. The members involved in this album were Chris Chu, Joe Ferrel, David Perales and Julian Harmon.
The morning benders had released Bedroom Covers EP, on their old blog called "Gigantic." The songs were covers of many bands and artists including Velvet Underground, The Cardigans, Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths just to name a few. The artwork of the cover was done by Kyle Lee.
In 2009, The Morning Benders toured with The Submarines around the US. They both covered each of each other's songs with the morning benders doing a cover of "1940's" whilst the Submarines did a cover of "Waiting For A War." During March, They also toured in the SXSW in Austin, Texas.
They performed with their friend John Vanderslice on May 19 at the Rickshaw Stop. On May 20, they did a show at El Rey Theatre with The Walkmen. The morning benders toured around UK and Europe in early august. In August 28–30, they played for Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco.
During October, they had toured with Grizzly Bear and in December they toured with Girls.
The Grain of Salt EP was released on February 24, 2009 which included songs such as "A Song" and "Your Dark Side." There was also a different version to "Grain of Salt" which is the bonus track for the album. On July 7, 2009 ITunes released a tribute album to Frank Sinatra called "His Way, Our Way", which included the morning benders covering "Strangers in the Night". In December 15, 2009, the morning benders signed onto rough trade records to release their new album that was coming out early 2010.
The album was produced in eleven days and was then mixed on the twelfth day in Brooklyn. Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear had helped produce the album. This album was influenced by many contemporary bands and artists, including Phil Spektor who developed the "Wall of Sound" recording technique in the 50's and 60's. "Excuses" which is the first track of the album, was given many positive reviews.
The second song on Big Echo is "Promises" and they had made a music video which described children growing up too fast. It was released on March 9, 2010 on Rough Trade records.
In 2010, Jon Chu, who is Chris' brother, replaced Joe Ferrell as the guitarist in the band. They had gathered with all their closest friends to play a live performance of "Excuses" on Yours Truly. The band have moved to Brooklyn, New York, USA. In October 2010, They showed their new song "Virgins" in La Blogtheque in France.
They had earlier planned to have a tour in Tokyo but because of the disastrous Japanese earthquake and tsunami, they had to cancel and reschedule their gigs. They released Japan Echo EP earlier in 2011, which will support the people who experience devastation during the Japan floods.
The EP included many artists such as Twin Sister, Star Slinger and Wild Nothing. In early August, The band were able to play in Tokyo at Summer Sonic Osaka. They are now working on a new album and promise to release it soon.
