The Morning Benders – Promises
This one has been out for well over a month and virtually every DJ at KCRW had been playing it for two months, so I have no excuse for not picking up on it earlier, there’s just so much music that sometimes you miss a few. Luckily I heard something from the group on KALX (which is fitting considering they were originally based out of Berkeley) during my recent trip to the Bay Area and since then I’ve been smitten. In addition to having quite possibly the best band name I’ve heard in the last 5 years, the group delivers with big epic arrangements, great production and just a great sound combining all the best parts of the Walkmen & Grizzly Bear (in fact, Chris Taylor of the latter has production credits on this record). A sure fire inclusion on my year end best of list.