The Morning Benders’ debut LP, 2008′s Talking Through Tin Cans, was a nice collection of pop songs that suggested a sound somewhere between Brendan Benson and The Shins, but it sure didn’t hint at what the band was capable of.  Produced by singer/guitarist Chris Chu and Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear, their latest record, Big Echo, is a big step forward for the Berkeley foursome, in particular the stunning opener, “Excuses.”  A track as good as “Excuses” could carry an entire album, regardless of the quality of the remainder of the record, but luckily it doesn’t have to.  ”Promises” is up next and while a faster paced affair, it continues with the sunny harmonizing and twinkling keys while also adding some riffs on loan from the Veckatimest sessions.  Taylor’s brilliant production is evident throughout the album, but is especially thrilling on “Promises” and the toe-tapping “All Day Day Light.”  The latter track finds the Benders at their rock n’ roll peak and you can hear Chu fully relishing his role as frontman.  Anchoring the 10-track LP is the slow burning “Sleeping In,” which makes you believe the album is heading to a low-key trough before flipping the script with some riffs that would sound right at home on a Crazy Horse record.  The album is highly recommended and is out today on Rough Trade.  Buy the album at iTunes or Insound.  If you do anything at all today, make sure it includes watching the video for “Excuses” below.