Week in Rock: Crimson and Clover Edition

Broken Bells and Morning Benders at IrvingIt's rare and refreshing to see a double billing of bands who are both able to exceed expectations. It's especially unlikely when one looks at the arcs of the two sonically complimentary bands in question: Broken Bells, the superstar side-project of lead Shin James Mercer and Danger Mouse, and on-the-rise indie band The Morning Benders, who played to a packed house last Saturday night at Irving Plaza.It makes sense why the two bands paired together. The Morning Benders vocalist Chris Chu is in the same league as Mercer, his pure-toned out-front vocals cutting through the fog of music it's resting on top of. Their new album, The Big Echo, was produced by Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear, which seemed an apt reference in their clean guitar tones and use of space on stage. Highlights of their melodic set included "Promises," "Cold War" and set closer "Excuses," in which Chu captured and built up vocal harmonies with himself.Broken Bells could have easily turned out to be an indulgent side-project, taking the personality and vocals of The Shins, and draping it in lots of squiggly, atmospheric electronics courtesy of Danger Mouse. Instead, the 7-piece touring band brought their dense songs to life, thanks to swelling organ, two drummers and three guitarists. Mercer remains a compelling, still presence in the midst of the surprisingly big songs, a beacon of calm with a masters degree in vocal melodies that stick in your ear like gum under a desk. Highlights included the falsetto single "The Ghost Inside," "The High Road," a cover of "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells (which you can see in the video below), and a cover of Smokey Robinson's classic "You Really Got a Hold on Me."