(Rough Trade)

www.roughtrade.com

The Morning Benders have no fear. This Brooklyn (via San Francisco) quartet could have begun Big Echo, its second album, with "All Day Day Light," the set's noisiest song, or "Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)," the sprightliest. Instead, the Benders taunt the wimpophobic by opening with "Excuses," a string-driven throwback to the days when Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson were first developing psychedelic MOR. It's a gutsy statement of meekness.

Of course, it's not all that bold to be mild within the confines of today's wispy alt-pop -- especially when Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor is co-producing. (His production partner is Benders singer-guitarist Christopher Chu). And by comparison to many of their peers, the Benders can sound nearly punk, throwing guitar distortion and actual choruses up against their tinkly glockenspiel and woozy "whoa-ohs."

If the album is more roundabout pop than straightforward rock, its elaborately layered sound isn't the whole story. Most of the material has punch, at least in places, and the melodies (usually) trump the hazy sonics. Even "Sleepin In," the sunshine-pop closer, is tougher than the playfully misleading "Excuses." Big Echo may emphasize just what its title promises, but it also boasts reasonably big songs.

Standout Tracks: "Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)," "All Day Day Light" MARK JENKINS