REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

PARK BENCH SOCIAL CLUB - Sit On This
PBSC Records PBSCCD01

This is what I call a very busy record, all sorts of things are going on here. Given the diverse backgrounds of the members and the multitude of influences they have been exposed to, everything from bluegrass to bhangra, this is not surprising.

The band members are Ross Couper on fiddle, Will Lang on bodhran and Aidan Curran on guitar, mandolin and vocals. They are individually experienced musicians with great enthusiasm. Together they make eclectic music, the whole being greater than the parts. Their repertoire is mainly their own individual compositions with a couple of traditional items and few numbers of recent origin by other composers. Everything is performed with exuberance, drive and skill. Whatever style or influence they choose it all comes together and works wonderfully. Each member of the band works hard for the others, making it sound easy and having fun. Music of this nature, indeed all music, should be enjoyable for both the audience and the performers, the music on this CD is certainly that.

Park Bench Social Club are a young band with ideas of their own. This is modern music with roots. It took several plays for me to fully appreciate this CD (it is an age thing!) but now it is one of my favourites!  I bet they are great live. Park Bench Social Club are a band to keep your eyes, and ears, on.

Danny Saunders