Review by Doug Cornell

A few modern bands have been returning to a more progressive style lately.  The Secret Machines are at the peak of this trend, but there are signs that more bands that know how to play their instruments may soon be entering the spotlight.

Benzos, who hail from New York City, are the antidote for those who are tired of the Strokes, Interpol, and similar acts.  While Benzos aren't progressive like the pompous bands that ruled during the 70's, they are plying similar territory to that of Radiohead's OK Computer or most anything from mid-period Church.  Benzos is first and foremost a guitar band, but not in any sort of metal or punk format.  Instead, the guitars are woven into a subtle sonic tapestry, using arpeggios and melody to create a complex sonic landscape.

After the guitars come's the voice of Christian Celaya.  While Celaya is reminiscent of Thom Yorke of Radiohead, he also sounds like Matthew Bellamy from Muse.  The eleven songs on Morning Stanzas each hold their own but are best enjoyed in an uninterrupted listening session.

Opening with an insistent sounding guitar and 4/4 drum beat, "All the King's Men" is the sort of song that grabs you and keeps you interested.  You'll be thinking, "Damn, if the whole album is this good, this will be a treat."  Relax, the album is this good.  The band blends guitars, electronics, and vocals into pure aural bliss.  "You're Forever an Hourglass" has a bit of the Radiohead vibe in the first few measures, but the band quickly establishes their style for the remainder of this fast and thoroughly enjoyable track.  A quietly beautiful acoustic guitar introduces the ballad, "It's Amiable," and as the eventually builds a head of steam that takes the guitars into the stratosphere.  The band continues with the brilliant "Warm Road," a track that has the sort of style and substance that most bands dream about possessing.

A peaceful guitar/drum vibe propels "Glass Souls," which includes a masterful vocal melody.  Whether you're seeking a splash of shimmering guitars ("The Blue Around You"), delicate picking ("Elia"), dreamy electronics ("Sore Eyes") or modern alt-rock perfection ("Spins"), there is plenty on this album to satisfy the most jaded music fan.

It's difficult to project the future, but with any luck Morning Stanzas will get enough buzz to help the band reach a large enough audience to keep the band making albums for the rest of the decade.

Don't miss this one.