Artist: The Morning BendersAlbum: Big EchoLabel: Rough TradeRelease Date: Today (March 9)Rating (Skip, Stream, or Buy): StreamDownload: “Excuses”When I met the Berkeley outfit’s frontman Chris Chu back in 2008, I had just accidentally stumbled into their set opening for We Are Scientists–and been blown away by the quartet’s seductively danceable indie rock and decidedly California approach. Debut album Talking Through Tin Cans wasn’t perfect but it attempted to capture their energetic rawness, and unfortunately sophomore effort Big Echo lacks that vivacity. Lead single “Excuses” has the lilting rhythm and “la da das” of a throwback hit the Benders are capable of, and the band is at its best when the melodies feel steeped in surf nostalgia. But songs repeatedly succumb to generic over-production and mild-mannered melodies, chasing after a sound that envelops their strengths rather than enhancing them. The record is an undeniably pleasant listen, but they may have left behind the polished pop hooks and garage band energy that made them great.