Excerpt: “On Holiday is more than the sum of its much maligned rhythmic inspirations. In fact, much of the album sounds completely pastoral, equally matching the title… Bennett’s voice never strains to keep up with the relaxed canter of his songs and sounds oddly similar to the ruddy baritone of XTC’s Andy Partridge. On Holiday never sounds like an experiment or a manifesto, it is too good for that. It simply swings on its own between scenic mountain drives and the neon-lit palm trees of a smoky Sunset Strip juke joint. It is both of those things and more.”

Tome to the Weather Machine

Excerpt: “Delicious slice of lounge? Don’t mind if I do! This is the perfect blend of cheesy lounge flavour cut with a scary ambience that is like a deserted shopping centre in the 1970s where someone left the music running. Underneath all of that NY’s Rich Bennett and co. are a pretty gifted bunch of songwriters as well. People have heard everything from Bacharach to Morricone in this; some of them call it retro-futurist pop, I call it fantastic.”

4zzz

Excerpt: “Rich Bennett’s tastes seem to veer towards lounge pop as evidenced on his ‘better than it sounds on paper’ last album Music For Underwater Supermarkets, not to mention his significant retro-futurist contributions to great records by Monocle and Hotels. As the title implies, On Holiday is a concept album Bennett has created (along with singer-songwriter Rebecca Pronsky) about leisure time away from home and work pressures…. As with some of his previus records, Bennett appears to be in typically laid back mood on the surface. Yet after each listen, the record sounds deeper and more troubled than the last time, which indicates Bennett is a less than ideal travelling companion but at least his music offers an alternative soundtrack.”

Leonard’s Lair

Excerpt: “New York’s maestro of shadowy lounge tinged pop Rich Bennett is back with a follow up to his stunning 2008 album Music for Underwater Supermarkets entitled On Holiday… Bennett’s latest work is brimming with subtly dark, breezy melodies and the buoyant vocals of both Bennett and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Rebecca Pronsky. From the gorgeous single ‘Misty Valley’ to the delicious minor key melancholy of ‘Night Part 2′, On Holiday is as intoxicating as it is playful.”

Purple Revolver