The Morning Benders wend their way back to L.A.

In two appearances in Los Angeles in December, youthful Berkeley quartet the Morning Benders displayed some pretty nifty pop chops, with frontman Chris Chu's boyish vocals floating over some frisky guitar lines. The band's debut, "Talking Through Tin Cans," won't be out until April on upstart +1 Records, but the foursome (reminds me of early Shins, maybe?) has a couple local dates this week, if you want to catch them pre-buzz.

||| Live: The Morning Benders play Indie's 103.1's showcase tonight at the Viper Room with unstoppable local quartet the Deadly Syndrome. The Benders then hit Spaceland on Thursday, playing with the Weather Underground as part of the support for the Airborne Toxic Event's residency.

Highlights for Monday, Jan. 7

Four great residencies start tonight -- Radar Bros. (see previous posts) play the Echo with support from up-and-comers Le Switch and Twilight Sleep; the Parson Red Heads bring their feel-goodness to Spaceland; We Barbarians play the Silverlake Lounge, with Aushua also on hand; and hip-hoppers Sparrow Lovecrew will rule the next four Mondays at the Detroit Bar. ... Also, it's Mike Watt and the Missingmen at Mr. T's Bowl, and Jason Reeves at the Hotel Cafe.

Photo of the Morning Benders by Bryan Derballa

Comments

[Melissa Renee in LA]

Dear Kevin,

I hope to see you at the front of the stage tonight, rocking out, like at the In Waves show. I'm very excited to see both The Morning Benders and Deadly Syndrome! Oh, and let me know if you're bringing a camera :)!

[t.]

you should come to the echo. yep. that's right.

[Jason]

The Deadly Syndrome at Viper Room is the show to see.