Big Echo - The Morning Benders
Big Echo Image
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

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  • Summary: The indie rock trio from Berkeley, California, releases its first album on Rough Trade, which was produced by band member Chris Chu and Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    89
    It's not extraordinarily original, but they do a masterful job at piecing together classic pop elements in an incredibly thoughtful and enjoyable way, crafting an album that's sure to please indie snobs, pop purists and, well, anyone else who might be listening.
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    Big Echo won't change the direction of modern music but it's such an easy, pleasurable listen that it can't fail to enrich whatever environment it's played in. Unreservedly recommended.
  3. All Music Guide
    80
    Big Echo takes a page from Pet Sounds by allowing the production to shine on its own, highlighting the studio embellishments but never shifting focus away from the band’s own hooks.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor has his production paws all over San Franciscan quartet The Morning Benders’ second full-length effort, and while Big Echo has more than pastiche to offer, a great deal of it still sounds a bit too familiar.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. DashRendar
    10
    Big Echo, the second album from the Berkley based band, is not breaking new ground but still draws you in with it's depth and layers. Cold War is the one non-homogeneous song on this album, but it provides a welcomed uplifting moment. The album provides a sense of painfully overwhelming peace and intricacy, but comes off simple and respectful. I would recommend Big Echo to friends and listeners of Grizzly Bear, Twin Shadow, etc... This album gets a 6.5/10 from me.

    Band Formula : Sea Snakes + Grizzly Bear = The Morning Benders

    Song Redemption : Excuses, Cold War, Hand Me Downs


    http://clockcatcher.blogspot.com/    … Expand

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