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REVIEW: Broken Bells with The Morning Benders at the Electric Factory

I couldn't have felt more like I was in high school. You know it's going to be a good show when the 2nd floor of the Electric Factory is packed with anxious parents all waiting to see Broken Bells.

I couldn't have felt more like I was in high school. You know it's going to be a good show when the 2nd floor of the Electric Factory is packed with anxious parents, all waiting to see Broken Bells. Of course I'm kidding, but it in fact, it was a great show.

The Morning Benders took to the stage and presented us with a powerful, yet humble show. At one point Chris Chu, lead vocals, pointed to the one kid in the crowd wearing a t-shirt with their album, Big Echo, on it and asked him what song he wanted them to play. They ended the set with, of course, their most well known hit "Excuses" and it suddenly felt as if the entire room was united.

Broken Bells, essentially, wasn't even suppose to be a toruing band. BB materminds James Mercer (The Shins) and Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) said that the project was only meant to be released as an album. That all changed quickley when they released their debut in March. When Broken Bells finally took the stage, they were backed with some insane visuals. All of which ran perfectly with each song they performed.

I now know why they call Brian Burton, Dangermouse... he kept his head down almost the entire show: hiding behind his drum set, keyboard, and not even turning around when he was front and center playing the guitar. James Mercer, on the other hand, was very personal and really addressed the crowd with his eyes and facial expressions. Feeling every strum of his guitar and every word to his songs. All together the performance itself was very dull but the music carried this show out, along with the gorgeous visuals, making this concert one for the books.

When they came back out for their encore, they played an amazing cover of Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold On Me". They ended the set with "The Mall and Misery", which is my personal favorite off of their album.

Last but not least, there was also a mom, who had to be pushing 40 years old, rocking out in the front row like it was a Motley Cru concert. She absolutely loved Broken Bells and I was lucky enough to be right behind her the whole show. You go mom!

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