Monthly Archives: June 2010

06.11.10
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The Morning Benders “Big Echo”

Why did it take me so long to review this album? Well I was too busy enjoying it, that’s why.

The Morning Benders have taken a new approach on their sophomore record, Big Echo (+1/Roughtrade). With producer and Grizzly Bear cohort Chris Taylor in tow, the band went into the studio last year to record an album that has finally launched their career into the spotlight.

While their first record Talking Through Tin Cans (+1) brought out the sweet, sugary, indie pop side of the band, this time they are headed in a different direction. This is indeed four guys who have grown up drastically since the last time they went into the studio. The songs show a more mature side of the group and it seems natural and effortless.

The album opens up with the first two singles, “Excuses,” and “Promises.” Both are only the beginning of what is to come on this record. If you were lucky enough to catch singer Chris Chu’s solo performance at CMJ 2009, you were able to see some of these songs including a special teenaged filled background vocal performance of “Excuses.”

“Wet Cement,” brings a bit of the first record in with it. It’s a very mellow and adorable song to say the least. One thing that stands out even more on this album is Chu’s voice. It is dreamy, smooth and flawless. This is more often than not hard to find these days. It’s as if his voice has the capability to bring you back into the 60’s. One of my personal favorite tunes on the record is “Cold War (Nice Clean Fight),” which clocks in under the two minute mark. This is a stomp your feet, clap your hands along song with it’s infectious beat.

“Pleasure Sighs,” “Hand Me Downs,” and “Mason Jar,” bring out a more experimental sound in the band. A little pyschadelic if you will, which the band has never really hit on before. Though somehow it fits and they manage to pull it off. You can really see Taylor’s influence in these songs.

“All Day Day Light,” contains a bit of an 80’s meets 60’s vibe to it. Take that for a leap of decades, right? It flows perfectly and trust me, it will not be leaving your head anytime soon. This is one to put on repeat. The album ends with the breezy “Stitches,” and “Sleeping In,” which appears to draw influences from the Beach Boys in the most flattering way.

Big Echo has launched The Morning Benders from small time indie band to full time buzz band. There is bound to be a lot more where that comes from so be on the lookout. If you haven’t checked out this record yet, do not hesitate. It has the makings to be an indie classic.

The Morning Benders – “Dreams” (Fleetwood Mac Cover) by modernmysteryblog

06.10.10
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Patrick Park – “Come What Will”

I remember discovering singer/songwriter Patrick Park in 2003 when I worked at a local record store and seemingly became obsessed with his record Loneliness Knows My Name (Hollywood). Somehow my singer/songwriter phase left me, but Park amongst a select few, was one to always stick out in my head. I didn’t want to leave him behind.

Fast forward to 2010, and Park has a new album out titled Come What Will (Badman). Leaving his Hollywood label, he reunited with Badman Records for this release who put out his first EPS.

Only a few seconds into the first song, “You’ll Get Over,” it is obvious that he has grown as a songwriter. Overall there is the feel of a little Ryan Adams twang, to the whole record, musically speaking. This is by no means a copy cat situation, and if anything, it just sends chills down your spine.

One thing that has always intrigued me about Patrick Park is the fact that he can turn the simplest of songs and make them complex. Take his voice on “The Lucky Ones,” as it manages to overshadow everything. It’s not that his voice is strong, but more along the lines of honest. The accompanying slide guitar sound adds to the flavor of the already delicious track and most importantly, it does not overpower the vocals.

Not everything is dark on the album as expected. Tracks like “You’re Enough,” provides you with a little country beat to tap your foot to. Songs like “Starry Night,” and “Time Won’t Wait,” sound like they could be used in a TV show like Gossip Girl, which, quite frankily isn’t a bad thing.

The title song “Come What Will,” is haunting with lyrics like “The silence doesn’t seem so broken when there’s nothing left to love.” The ongoing theme of the record seems to be underlying sadness, and it works for Park. With “Silence and Storm,” he seems to perk up a little bit, but not for long. The strings come out of this one and melt perfectly no matter how subtle they are at times. It shows a different side of Park that only makes one appearance on the record.

What Park has made is not a diverse record by any means. Come What Will tells a story that flows perfectly from one song to the other. If any of the tracks were to deviate even slightly, it would not work as an album. Somehow Patrick Park manages to keep it interesting, and I find the thing I look for the most in each song is his beautiful, harmonious voice that leads the record into perfection. Yes, his guitar playing is amazing as well, but the thing that sticks out with every listen is his glorious voice. It’s a rare find.

06.09.10
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BKLYN Yard is Shutting Their Doors


BKYLN Yard, one of New York’s finest places to ever see a show, have just announced that they have officially closed their doors.

The venue, which has been around for about four years, has put on shows with everyone from Dan Deacon to Jose Gonzalez. BKYLN Yard wasd also famous for it’s Sunday Best dance series, the Gowanus Harvest Fest, the BK County Fair, Score! Pop-Up Mega Swap, Parked: Food Truck Festival, as well as more lobster bakes, pig roasts, and BBQs than you can shack a stick at.

Recently putting on a Memorial Day picnic, the venue showed off it’s new renovations including a bocce court and an updated bar. The landlords of BKLYN Yard’s space did not allow them to renegotiate the contract, and told them to hit the road. The chances are you’ll see the venue back in action though, just in another location. It may take some time but we hope to see them back soon.

For more information about BKLYN Yard’s closing, visit their website, HERE.

06.07.10
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Robbers on High Street Release New Single, “Electric Eye.” Prep New Album and Mini Tour


Robbers on High Street are a New York staple. Anyone who’s anyone knows the name. The Brooklyn band first hit the scene a few years ago with their debut album Tree City, and then with Grand Animals, that was released nearly 3 years ago.

Robbers are back in full action now, prepping a new album in which the name has not been released yet. The band has been playing new songs from the record since the Summer of last year, and when I talked to them last July, they seemed to be really excited to get started on it. The result that we’ve heard so far, seems to show a more mature side of the band and one that draws a bit more from their 70’s influences. This is going to be one of the lookout records for 2010.

Robbers on High Street have just released the first single from the record called “Electric Eye,” which seems to bring out the spirit of the new songs. Singer Ben Trokan’s voice is better than ever, envoking such passion, and doing it smoothly. Robbers on High Street are one of the greatest rock and roll bands of our generation, there is no doubt about that.

The single for “Electric Eye” will be released on vinyl tomorrow, with the digital single being released on June 22nd. The B-side will be another new tune titled “Face the Fog.”

In celebration of the new album, Robbers will be going out on a few dates this week in support of the new single. They’re bringing labelmates The Bloodsugars along with them. If you’re in New York, they’ll be playing the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on Saturday night. Don’t miss out on this show. It’s going to be incredible (like always!)

Download and Stream “Electric Eye”
Robbers on High Street – “Electric Eye” by modernmysteryblog

Robbers on High Street Tour Dates

June 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The M Room – 9pm – w/ The Bloodsugars, The Fleeting End

June 11 – Washington, DC – Velvet Lounge – 9pm – w/ The Bloodsugars, Kaiser Cartel

June 12 – Brooklyn, NY – The Knitting Factory – 8pm – w/ The Bloodsugars, Israel Darling

June 13 – Boston, MA – TT The Bears – 8:30pm – w/ The Bloodsugars, Israel Darling

06.04.10
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Miniature Tigers Release New Video and Announce Tour with The Spinto Band! (a.k.a. My head just exploded in EXCITEMENT!)


Whenever, and if ever, two of your favorite band’s tour together, most people consider it extremely lucky. Yesterday it was announced that the Miniature Tigers are not only doing their first headlining tour, but they are taking The Spinto Band along with them as openers.

Can we say ‘Dream team’? Because I’m going to.

The groups will be taking over the U.S. in full force this summer for your listening pleasure.

The Miniature Tigers have also just released their first video for the single “Gold Skull,” from Fortress (Modern Art), due out July 27th. The new record was produced by no other than The Morning Benders’ frontman, Chris Chu, and also features a produced track (“Gold Skull”) by Alan Palomo, better known as Neon Indian. The Spinto Band are also working on new material so be prepared to be filled with new tunes this summer by both bands.

Check out the tour dates below, and the new video from the Mini T’s!

“Gold Skull” by Miniature Tigers.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Miniature Tigers with The Spinto Band

July 21, 2010- The High Dive – Seattle, WA
July 22, 2010- Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
July 23, 2010- Hotel Utah Saloon- San Francisco, CA
July 24, 2010- Spaceland – Los Angeles, CA
July 25, 2010- House Of Blues- San Diego, CA
July 27, 2010- The Rhythm Room- Phoenix, AZ
July 29, 2010- Kilby Court- Salt Lake City, UT
July 30, 2010- Larimer Lounge- Denver, CO
July 31, 2010- Santa Fe Brewing Company- Santa Fe, NM
August 2, 2010- The Loft- Dallas, TX
August 3, 2010- Stubbs – Austin, TX
August 5, 2010- The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE
August 6, 2010- Triple Rock Social Club- Minneapolis, MN
August 8, 2010- LOLLAPALOOZA – Chicago, IL
August 10, 2010- Pike Room- Pontiac, MI
August 11, 2010- Musica- Akron, OH
August 12, 2010- TT The Bear’s- Cambridge, MA
August 13, 2010- The Mercury Lounge, New York City, NY
August 14, 2010- TBA
August 15, 2010- North Star Bar- Philadelphia, PA
August 17, 2010- The Black Cat- Washington, DC
August 18, 2010- Sonar Club Stage- Baltimore, MD
August 19, 2010- Local 506- Chapel Hill, NC
August 20, 2010- The Star Community Bar- Atlanta, GA
August 21, 2010- The Blackbooth- Orlando, FL

06.04.10
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The Drums Release New Video for “Forever and Ever Amen”


Last summer all of the buzz in the indie community seemed to be the Brooklyn based band, The Drums. Their first single “Let’s Go Surfing,” was hailed as the anthem of the summer by many. What made it so good was it’s retro vibe and Jonathan Pierce’s catchy pop voice.

Flash forward to almost a year later and The Drums are preparing to release their debut record on Moshi Moshi Records titled The Drums. The band just released their newest video for the track “Forever and Ever Amen,” and it’s quite impressive, and yes, a bit retro looking. Can anyone say The Smiths? The video also features the guys playing inside an American Legion to a bunch of unruly teen center kids. Wow, talk about bringing back junior high/high school memories here for me. This is how shows in the New York suburbs went down in those days.

Watch The Drums “Forever and Ever Amen”