"The album has one foot planted in folk tradition while the other is in sharp, modern songwriting. It flows and feels like a proper, dynamic album experience, with uptempo stompers ("Still Waiting In Line) to somber ballads ("O, Caroline") and everything in-between. There's not a boring moment to be found.” - Craig Bonnell, Songs: Illinois

New unmastered demos for Feb. 2010

A collection of home recordings and demos, "The How and Why," finds writer/performer Seth Martin blending playful, neo-folk overtones with the heavier electric swirl of garage rock, creating a body of songs that brings to mind John Prine as easily as it does American Analog Set.

With songs like "Heavenly" (the collection's opener) and the asymmetrical "Baby I'm Boss," Martin dupes us into thinking we're headed straight for indie rock outer space, but brings us back to earth with offerings like "Rich Divorcee Island," a short but poignant lament cut from more traditional country fabric, and "Drinks from the Rail," a fun sing-along that foreshadows some of Martin's more recent songwriting with The Sinful Savage Tigers.

Although still searching for a proper voice, Martin's aptitude for marrying words to melody is never more present than it is on The How and Why. His is a lyricism that rewards repeated listens.

"The name is a play on a very old BBC radio comedy. The band itself consists of three very talented and diverse musicians. My initial listen filled my ears with Dylan, Young, Beatles, and solid Piedmont bluegrass. The nine song record has great vocal depth layered on well played acoustic instrumentals." -- Todd Fitch, The SoundShop NC