The Morning Benders have come along way since I first saw them, playing the opening slot at Bottom of the Hill just over a year ago. I knew they had talent, however their sound lacked the maturity of a group that has honed their chops through hours of live shows.

However, when the Bender’s returned to SF last weekend, headlining Slim’s as part of this year’s Noise Pop Festival, they had tightened their indie/pop sound to that of a well-oiled machine.

Singer/songwriter Chris Chu has true rock star stage presence as he holds the swooning sold out crowd of teenagers and young twenty-somethings firmly in his competent grasp.

Keep your eyes on the Morning Benders, they’re skyrocketing and have nowhere to go but up.

Photos and text by abrody(at)haightbeat.com