New York five-piece Benzos probably own a half dozen copies of Radiohead’s Kid A between them. From the sound of their debut LP, Morning Stanzas , one can picture the band huddled around a hookah, listening to “Idioteque” and having a generative musical experience. The propulsive layers of synthesizer-based electronics, complex guitar work, and esoteric lyrics such as, “We are glass souls…we are glass houses,” scream marijuana-induced paranoia and Thom Yorke worship.
That being said, Benzos are no mere Brit-band knock-offs. Morning Stanzas boasts a number of truly touching and accomplished tracks. “Amiable” is a soaring, melodic gem, while the theme of glass and an accompanying emptiness (“You’re Forever an Hourglass,” “Glass Souls,” etc.) crop up repeatedly. But there are danceable moments amidst such introspection, especially on upbeat songs like “Spins.”
The complex arrangements of many Benzos’ songs bespeaks a musical collaboration that has been years in the making. Singer Christian Celaya and Guitarst Michael Ortega are first cousins. The two are longtime friends of guitarist Brian Joyce. Eiko Peck on bass and Steve Bryant on drums round out the quintet. Morning Stanzas is out May 17th on Stinky Records.
