Reviews
Review of Seth’s 2005 release Being this Being:
“Seth Bernard’s frayed balladry will melt your heart. Much like the bare-bones ‘rurality’ of Royal City or Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Bernard’s Being This Being is accessible without being predictable - the type of collection that reveals its gifts gradually. With their humble presentation and wistful swoon, songs like ‘May’s Waltz’ and ‘Travel’ leave quite an impression, while ‘Dinosaur’ and ‘…being this being…’ bask in lo-fi jingle-jangle. Good enough to dazzle Roots Radio and eccentric enough for college airwaves, Seth Bernard’s intensely personal approach to folk is nothing less than astounding.” -Ryan Hoffer A&R, Shut Eye Records, Atlanta, GA
Review of Seth’s 2003 release, Constellation:
“Lake City’s Seth Bernard stands at the forefront of a talented crop of up-and-coing Michigan songwriters; and his brand new CD ‘Constellation’ features a fair number of them, including Rachael Davis, Dan Kahn, Josh Davis and Jen Sygit. But Bernard’s is a talent that’s likely to defy any ‘local by’ categorization. He’s a wordmonger of the first order - playful, exuberant, smart and original - with a musical sophistication beyond his years. ‘Constellations’ 11 tracks segue seamlessly, giving the impression of spontaneity, belying the meticulous craft involved. His plaintive voice and witty, even cutting lyrics may remind listeners of Loudon Wainwright III without the despair. Album highlights include the anthemic ‘Hello Fellow Travelers,’ a charmingly goofy love song ‘Eliza’s,’ and the remarkable ‘Sari Brown,’ with the lines ‘and the world may steal your smile for a while/and pain will come from loving, but everything is reason to sing…’ There’s an ace crew of players aboard, too, including longtime saxman Cesar Alvarez, keyboard wiz Mike Lynch (The Lash, Larry McCray Band), all four of the Steppin’ In It boys and prizewinning Ann Arbor fiddler Jeremy Kittel.” -Chris Rietz for the Lansing State Journal
