Bento
Absent Without Leave
Room 506 Records
With the words "Hello, I've been waiting for you," Bay Area band Bento opens its debut CD Absent Without Leave. It's a 10-track album full of charming pop melodies. Led by vocalist and guitarist Scott Iwata, the indie group is made up of Angelito Mesina, bass; Elvin Reyes, guitar; and Jamie Quon, drums. Together, they play refreshingly melodic tunes that often disguise bittersweet lyrics. Iwata wrote all of the songs, sharing credits with Mesina on two of the tracks. Iwata has a breezy, quiet voice that capably guides listeners through the course of the album. Bento can be modern and alternative on some tunes and a touch rootsier on others, but the music manages to always be appropriately mature and pleasant. -- D. Kimura