The Morning Benders @ The Mod Club

I am the only person I know who listens to The Morning Benders (with the exception of Katie V, who accompanied me to last night's show and is now sold on their greatness). And after this post, all of you are going to check them out, okay?

I first heard of TMB through Fuel/Friends music blog, where I find out about most great indie bands. Although, I have to say, I feel pretty proud that I am beginning to find she writes about bands after I have heard of them! Win. Anyway, I first hear Excuses here. Shortly thereafter, I heard Promises through the KEXP Song of the Day Podcast (subscribe on iTunes; you won't regret it). When I realized that both songs were by the same band, I knew I needed to give them more attention.

Promises - I like the social commentary this video puts forth.


This summer, I happened to walk past The Big Chill and saw a sign saying Free Show With TMB - it was only a few days away, and I was thrilled. Even more thrilling was when Chris Chu (the band lead) retweeted my tweet about it. But then I was sick and job-hunting, and I couldn't go...

So I paid $15 to see them last night, in their 6th Toronto show of 2010 (more than they've played anywhere else this year). And it was well worth it.

Thoughts on the show:

1. I like The Mod Club. I like that there is a balcony where I can stand, free of the crowd, and actually observe the musicians perform. It reminded me a bit of The Commodore in Vancouver.

2. Indie bands are made up of:
The Hipster (the front man/woman, a perfect blend of chic & nerd),  
The Uber-Hipster (so hipster it hurts),  
The Nerd (actually a nerd, with the tiniest shred of chic), and  
The Rocker (not actually a hipster, but rounds out the band with a little accessibility for the rest of us).

3. TMB puts on a show that is more rock and less acoustic than expected. I like hearing that their range is wider than I thought, that they can maintain their "sound" whether playing unplugged or very plugged.

4. It takes a great band to do a cover justice (related: I love The Breaking Lakes cover of "Come Together"):

Dreams (Fleetwood Mac) - one of TMB's favourite songs, a great Canadian choice.

Imagine bubbles falling slowly down during the chorus:
Thunder only happens when it's raining
Players only love you when they're playing
They say, women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean you'll know
You'll know

4. I like seeing a band interact, but I dislike when the entire band turns in on itself, and we, the audience are on the outside. Face me. I paid money to watch your face and your hands, not to stare at your back.

5. I knew that the show would wrap up with this, the first song I heard. I love the way it builds. I love the way it evokes the 1950's. I love the way they made it both heavy-hitting and heartfelt. I love that there was a moment of stillness in the theatre, and then 500 of us sang along with the chorus.


Excuses - the oh-so-acoustic version of the epic finale

The title line is crushing:
I made an excuse
And you found another way to tell the truth


6. There was, of course, an encore. This new single.

Virgins

Mmhmm.

7. The best detail of the show? They went on at 8:40, wrapped up by 10pm. Katie V and I had time for dessert and discussion at Dolce Gelato and still made it home before midnight. (We're old ladies. What can I say?)


Next weekend: Mumford & Sons. I AM READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (although I can't decide if I should listen to their new tracks in advance, or be surprised by their amazingness live.)