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Big Echo Rough Trade ****

Here comes summer in the form of a second album from these New York-based California dreamers. While the band enjoyed a smattering of underground applause and attention for their Talking Through Tin Cansdebut, the new album is such a huge progression in every regard that a crossover seems inevitable. The arrival of Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor as co-producer alongside band leader Chris Chu will inevitably be cited for the sonic leap forward, but it’s as much down to the band’s newly toned songwriting muscle as Taylor’s delicate touch when it comes to pastel shades and textures. Tracks such as Excuses, Promisesand the delighfully paced Stitcheswork their magic in a hazy, dreamy, unhurried manner. It’s the slowburning melodies, and especially a string of effortless harmonies, that dominate this impressive, memorable outing. See myspace.com/themorning benders