Now touring with The Submarines, selling out shows all over the country, Bay Area indie band The Morning Benders released its five-song EP “Grain of Salt” on Feb. 24.

Their first album, “Talking Through Tin Cans,” was recognized by iTunes as the best indie/alternative album of 2008. And ever since, lead singer Chris Chu and the band have been busy creating upbeat songs that sound like a mix between The Beatles and Death Cab for Cutie.

The EP begins with the song “Grain of Salt,” which is about being careful with a broken heart. It consists of Beatles-esque “yeah, yeah, yeah’s,” and has a catchy guitar riff. The three songs that follow are slow, but not overly melancholic or pessimistic. They sound similar to The Shins, with strong piano, jangling guitars, and calming vocals.

Overall, the EP acts as relaxing background music to a cozy couch with a cup of coffee.

It doesn’t go over as well live though, as I discovered after seeing the show. In fact, the music became quite tiring on a late night.

4 stars out of 5