by Annie Webber

The air was distinctly summery in the Drake Underground last night (raised temperatures and the fact that it was under…ground… might have had something to do with it) – and as flowing locks were relegated to ponytails, the Morning Benders, joined by Toronto’s Make Your Exit, took us from jump-the-gun summer dresses in April to a full-on heat wave.

Having only just returned home from a cottage-country song-writing blitz (but withholding new tracks for the time being – cheeky) MYE’s usual offerings of friendly tunes and warm harmonies took on a punchier, tighter sound.

Plus they closed with Leave This Town – and if that doesn’t get you all keyed up, nothing will.

And now, the main event – The Morning Benders. The Berkeley boys charmed the crowd of eager Torontonians with their distinctly California style, sunscorched tracks and nicer-than-nice Thank-you-very-muches after each and every song. And as a special (accidental) treat, just as lead vocalist Chris Chu’s mic pooped out on the harmony-happy candidate for this year’s roadtrip anthem Excuses, Toronto’s finest came to the rescue, getting sectioned off into campfire-style repeat-after-me vocal backup.

We interrupt this music-induced reverie to bring you back to reality – it’s April. Shucks. Nobody likes a tease. Well, unless you like the Morning Benders.

Hurry, summer. See you in the front seat, feet on the dash, and up to no good.