Over the past few years, Portland garage psych-rock outfit Spoon Benders have been working hard to grow their fan base through steady touring and constant creative output. Spoon Benders have relied on determination, onstage charisma, ever-tightening musicianship, a little punk rock swagger, and a circle of talented creative friends to manifest their rock n’ roll dream. The result has been steady word-of-mouth growth, and a reputation for a must-see live show.
On Friday, May 12th, Spoon Benders celebrated the release of their second album, How Things Repeat, with a sold-out show at Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge. Portland post-punk band Forty Feet Tall opened, delivering their own high energy sound to get things started.
Spoon Benders played the majority of the tracks that make up How Things Repeat as well as songs from their 2020 debut album Dura Mater over the course of their rollicking set. Whether it was paranormal manipulation or just an energetic, hard-driving performance, Spoon Benders steered the crowd into a rock n’ roll feeding frenzy, evidenced by the ensuing mosh pit, fist pumping, and crowd surfing. Longtime fans and newcomers alike succumbed to the flourishing performance, riding the mad alchemy to a smiling and satisfying end.
With the release of their second album and momentum of strong live performances, Spoon Benders seem to be right where they want to be. Well, almost. It seems the band is set to move to Los Angeles this summer, taking their friend, merch slinger, spirit animal, and highly talented photographer Harper King with them. How Things Repeat generally explores themes of recurrence, monotony, and repetition, and Spoon Benders seem unwilling to be caught in those cycles. With the release of How Things Repeat, and the announcement of their upcoming move to L.A., Spoon Benders have proven that not only have they arrived — they’re going places.
