"Branches", the second album from New York-based quartet Benzos, combines the melodic allure of Doves, the sprawling dynamics of Explosions In the Sky and the minimalistic yet intense complexity of Aphex Twin, to develop a unique blend of ambient, emotionally resonant guitar and synth instrumentation, “mashed up” with tight, bottom-heavy, intensely funky rhythm section grooves. Since the release of their debut album, "Morning Stanzas", Benzos have built a passionate live following for their heavily improvisational live shows, sharing stages with acts such as She Wants Revenge, Lake Trout, the Benevento-Russo Duo and Phoenix. Co-produced by Woody Ranere of Lake Trout and Steve Wright, the new album animates the band’s transcendent melodies and complex rhythms with the dynamism and freshness characteristic of the band’s extraordinary live shows. With a mind-blowing show at Bonnaroo 2007 under their belts, the band will be touring extensively this Summer and Fall, including shows at The Paul Green School of Rock Music Festival, All Good Music Festival and Camp Bisco 6.

• “Radiohead are still the undisputed leaders of rock quintets that weave anthemic guitar rock with chilly, electronic programming, but New York's Benzos, one of the most innovative bands coming out of The Big Apple today, could eventually grab the baton.....”
  – Urb Magazine
  

• “With a dramatic swell that hints at Jeff Buckley fronting a visceral emo/jazz outfit, Benzos creates a fascinating synthesis of urban electronic cool and suburban indie heat.”
  – Amplifier Magazine
  

• “Benzos shimmer sweet drum-split and shoegazer misery”
  – The Village Voice
  

• “Benzos are astounding...The music is complex, multi-textured and brave, mixing electronic and with rock in a glorious way that few bands do well, yet so many try to do and fail.”
  – Sentimentalist
  

• “…a musical high that is much better than anything you will find your mom’s medicine cabinet.”
  – New York Metro
  

• “Side effects may include...Elation. Chills. Dancing. Welcome to the rocktronica world of Benzos.”
  – Boston Metro