Album Review The Novel

It’s easy to see why Auckland five-piece, PARK RD is making some noise, figuratively and literally with their debut album, The Novel.

Heavy on the indie, but far from light with solid guitar riffs and pop and funk sensibilities, PARK RD are a great example of solid musicianship.

Of these 13 tracks, each ebbs and flows in its own style and timing. Catchy, each song never lingers longer than it should. Going off the page, take for example closing track in, Every Night. Funk driven with those unmistakable pop overtones and a guitar edge. It gets you grooving, but coming it at just over 3 minutes long, it’s just enough.

Vocally, there is a lot of soul to this debut. At times poppy and light, other times more heartfelt, and specifically, on track, Hey, Hello. A really gentle number that far from gets lost in the fray. It has the kind of song writing that catches your attention.

Going back to solid musicianship, that’s exactly what PARK RD have continuity in, with The Novel. Their song writing ability is unmatched, especially for a debut and it shows strong and proud. Along with being excellent musicians and having an album that is solidly produced makes for an even better listening experience.

My stand outs have to be Tonight, I, and Ride. Both songs remind me of another outstanding Auckland band, Tablefox. Both songs (and bands) hold great lyricism and energy and it’s a pleasure to listen to.

The time is now for PARK RD and with this much going for them, you know it won’t be long before more noise is made about them.