The following article was submitted by Ilana Kaplan:

Maybe it was the beach volleyball or the NY 2010 Brewfest happening on Governor’s Island that drew people to the New York getaway [Saturday night], but (the free) The Morning Benders/Freelance Whales/Wild Nothing concert at “The Beach” in the “Converse Presents Gone to Governor’s” concert series, seemed to be what drew people to the Island last night. From the Manhattan fashionistas to the Williamsburg hipsters, the diverse crowd was drawn in by dance-pop electronica before the show even started: enough to put everyone into a musical trance.

Wild Nothing’s Jack Tatum, said it best during his performance, “This is, by far, the most gorgeous show we have ever played.” And so, set the tone for the rest of the night, which was complemented by even more ‘gorgeous’ performances. Wild Nothing serenaded the crowd with a California-cool sound leaving behind a trail of nostalgia with “Gemini.” Tatum cooed in a fuzzy dream pop voice, “Our lips won’t last forever and that’s exactly why/ I’d rather live in dreams and I’d rather die.” Tatum and his band created a scene set for the night as each song was reminiscent of obvious influences of The Smiths, The Cure and Editors, but more upbeat.

Following their set, a warm welcoming was in store for Brooklyn natives Freelance Whales who I have seen play at a small record store near my hometown with less than 20 people in attendance. Since then, I have been captivated by their unique sound and ability to interchangeably play one another’s instruments. As a band, this to me deems quite impressive. The band opened up their set with a killer performance of, Hannah, after announcing that this show was a great way to end their tour-in their hometown nonetheless.  Generator ^First Floor sent the crowd into a frenzy as the xylophone was set ablaze with Judah Dadone and Doris Cellar’s harmonies. During Starring, there was nothing more perfect than seeing everyone holding their beers and dancing without reservations against the New York skyline. At one point during their performance, Kevin Read used an orchestral bow on his guitar, giving the band yet another interesting take on their use of instruments, which include a glockenspiel, synthesizer and tin can. Their set was definitely enjoyed by the entire crowd who, by majority, was there to see The Morning Benders.

The Morning Benders slowed down the pace of the concert with their bluesy shoegaze pop. Opening up with Stitches, from Big Echo, the band sent the crowd into a whirlwind of psychadelia with heavy guitar riffs. They performed an amazing cover of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Ceremony by Joy Division, showing a broad range of talent. The band is definitely on the right touring with The Black Keys as their similarities in sound were transparent during the performance of Promises. Personally, going there as a huge fan of Freelance Whales and not as much a fan of The Morning Benders, they won me over. With their amazing vocals and dark melodies, the band’s talent hypnotized me. The Morning Benders ended their set with “Excuses,” one of the most beautifully produced and hopefullromantic songs. Lead vocalist Chris Chu could have wooed any girl in the crowd with him to a drive-in movie with his nostalgic 1950s sound.

There was nothing more magical than seeing these three acts perform live and on such an amazing evening. If you haven’t Gone to Governor’s’ yet this summer, judging by this one magical night, I would get there before the sand turns to snow.

The Morning Benders’ Set List:

1. Stitches
2. Promises
3. Wet Cement
4. Mason Jar
5. Dreams (Fleetwood Mac Cover)
6. Hand Me Downs
7. Pleasure Sighs
8. Ceremony (Joy Division Cover)
9. Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)
10. All Day Daylight
11. Excuses

Freelance Whales’ Set List:

1. Hannah
2. Location
3. Generator ^ First Floor
4. Starring
5. Ghosting
6. We Could Be Friends
7. Kilojoules
8. Generator ^ Second Floor