SETH HORAN: Notwithstanding

Seth Horan

Notwithstanding

© 2002 Seth Horan, BMI (800314021124)

"A slew of catchy, bass-driven pop songs with soaring vocals from the guy who's bringing the bass guitar out of the shadows as a songwriter's instrument..."

tracks

1 Something Pretty
2 Become What You Resist
3 Eventually
4 Just if I
5 the song of Thanks
6 Beautiful
7 Keep To Myself
8 Bad For You
9 Cry

notes

"Notwithstanding" is the second fully produced release from bassist, singer, songwriter Seth Horan.

Coming from a colorful major label background (he did time in MCA rap/metal band Darwin's Waiting Room and RCA pop supergroup Vertical Horizon), Horan has gained serious notoriety over the past two years since his debut release, "...this is the session."

He performs in a variety of settings; as a soloist, accompanying his voice with only his five-string bass guitar, and more recently with a band, but still showcasing the funky, two-handed style that his fans have come to identify him by.

"Notwithstanding" strikes a perfect balance between solo performances and more produced songs. Songs like "Eventually", "the song of Thanks", and "Keep To Myself" are powerfully spare in their arrangements, showcasing not only Horan's exquisite bass technique, but his increasingly powerful vocals, which have become hauntingly soulful since his first release.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, "Become What You Resist" and "Beautiful" are masterpieces of band production, no doubt due to the co-production skills of Horan's former Vertical Horizon bandmate, Ed Toth, whose drumming throughout the record is top notch, and a welcome departure from the straight-ahead rock of his band's recent offerings.

Fans of Horan's most popular song to date, "Tarot" (from his debut release), will no doubt feel at home with the album's opening cut, "Something Pretty", which strikes a familiar balance in groove and instrumentation without being derivative.

With the release of "Notwithstanding", Horan has grown tenfold as an artist, and has more clearly defined his sound and his vision in a way bound to attract more attention. The result is one of the best independent releases to cross this reviewer's desk in over a year. Highly recommended.

--T. A. Ryan, rockstar. magazine

reviews

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  • Genius growing on ya...
    author: Takle in Boston

    I've seen him play in California and in Boston and am always amazed at how awesome he can make a solo base sound. I've been humming a few of his songs for four years and just recently started to appreciate a subtle grooviness that I hadn't grabbed before. I agree with all the above: if you can see him live, DO IT. Rocks man.

  • Awesome musician with many talents
    author: Hairy Man From the Dungeon Crew Alb NM

    Seth is a must see performer. On and off stage he is one of the greatest guys with an awesome personality. His music is awesome and his shows are fun.

  • Only 10 words?
    author: Crystal Erickson

    If you ever get to see this guy play, do it! He's awesome on and off stage. It's rare to find a guy who plays bass as well as he sings and writes. His music is currently featured on my radio show "Got Music?" You can check it out every Friday morning 9:30am pst on WWW.KCLAFM.COM. He's talented and cute as hell!! lol : ) Can't wait to hear the new album "Conduit"...

  • Awesome Guy!
    author: Matt West

    Original stuff! You won't find anything like this anywhere. Buy this CD if you get the chance. See Seth Horan live if at all possible. Pure Genius!

  • i love it, i love it, i love it!
    author: lauren riley

    i can't believe i haven't posted a review yet; oh well i'll have to make up for it now. after listening to "this is the session" over and over i grew comfortable with the arrangement of the songs and the way seth uses his voice (i'm big on vocal, huge, i had a scholarship to go do some vocal music study couses, i turned it down but that's a whole 'nother story). so when i got the new cd (and then the remastered version) i was pleased. he's amazing he uses his voice in just a versital a manner as he does his bass. seth has only improved in all areas, and the songs are great in every aspect. musically, vocally, and lyrically. the continuity of the album is also nice. it has a good flow. even winds down for you keeping the big energy numbas at the begining slowly transitioning to the end. i wait on the edge of my seat to see what his next album holds in store.

  • haven't stopped listening to it .....
    author: Amie

    This is the best cd ever...I can't stop listening to it and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! and let me tell you that it hasn't left my cd playert sence i got it!!!!!!!!!!

  • Better Living Through Great Music
    author: Syd Mooney

    I'm dying for "Notwithstanding" to be reissued--I need another copy so I don't have to keep carting my current one back and forth to the office! Seth Horan knows his way around a bass, has a flair for intriguing lyrics (Check out "Something Pretty" and "Keep to Myself" if you don't believe me), and writes melodies you'll hum for weeks. If you don't buy this album, you're missing out on a terrific artist.

  • Hasn't left my CD player!
    author: Victoria

    Something Pretty, Eventually, and Beautiful are the stories of my life. Great sound and a Great CD!

  • Seth is an amazing bass player whose style is both upbeat and mesmorizng
    author: vino

    The album is one of those that you always know where it is in your collection. I heard it first when he played it at a friends house in prov,ri. The songs and the artists are more than just a once through review, but rather songs for all occasions.

  • Brilliant!!!
    author: Andy Whittaker

    I was so absolutely impressed by this performer who is not only a brilliant combination of Victor Willis and David Green, but who is also represented by the voice of a forayed pirate. Definitely worth a listen!!! Rock on!!!

  • The greatest music you have never heard!
    author: Breanna Wayne Albuquerque, NM

    I saw Seth in a class at UNM. His music rocks! His lyrics touch the soul while you get lost in a trance listening to the melody. His voice is amazing too! It's great to finally hear someone who has the talent of writing their own music--lyrics included! This CD is great if you are tired of the same old music on the radio!

  • Incredible player, singer, and songwriter!
    author: James Burt, Albuquerque NM

    I heard Seth playing many of the songs off of this album live about a week ago, and I could not believe the lyrical genius, and the way Seth has taken the bass out of the shadows of the musical world!

  • powerful, moving, memorable
    author: Catherine From Philadelphia

    one of the best albums in my collection...it's been in serious heavy rotation on my stereo... i can't get the songs out of my head... one of the few albums I have that I've actually learned the words to most of the songs, so i can sing along... wonderfully clever lyrics, funky, moving, engaging music... great for driving... highly highly recommended

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