Bench is a group spearheaded by none other than Kris Jenkins, sometime percussionist with psychedelic rockers Super Furry Animals. You would scarcely spot the connection though, after entering Bench's murky world of trip hop. 'Bliss' is a solid if unspectacular journey, highlights being the dub-heavy rhythms of the title track and 'Small Fire'. Indeed, Jenkins is on fine form himself throughout, the main drawback is Rachel Thomas who appears to have a voice (albeit a fine one) more suited to jazz and cabaret singing, as she proves on 'Prozak Love' but at other times her warblings seem too anodyne for the sinister soundscapes that are proceeding in the background. With another Alison Goldfrapp or perhaps even Portishead's Beth Gibbons on board this debut offering could have been quite something; as it is it's just OK.