"This album contains all human life, yet never strays far from its own backyard, global politics seem inconsequential when set against these micro tales of birth, death, love, hate, joy and regret. The Ship and the Iceberg is an album infused, like all great art, with hope and beauty and there can be few whose lives would not be enriched by a little more hope and beauty." (8 out of 10)

"At times quiet and heartbreaking, at others joyous and uplifting, the melody and comfort contained in this album is the over-riding emotion that the listener will take away……If you needed to put them in a box, the folkish harmonies displayed by the shared vocals of Graeme Black and Gill Fleetwood will delight and inspire comparisons to the new folk revival and the artists who inspired it originally but there are many different styles on show here and it’s the overall sweetness and ease that binds the album together." (4 out of 5)

"When I arrived at the BBC some fifteen minutes before my spot a band were playing live in the control room, I said my hellos to perfect Peter and to Chris the everlasting sound engineer genius, shuffled over to the mixing desk, peered through the glass, saw a girl harpist [striking as harps are not exactly an everyday occurance], a cello player, piano, banjo, guitars and other less recognisable instrumental paraphernalia.

It was crowded in there. I’m guessing there were about eight of them plus a cameraman close to passing out in the heat. The band was called The State Broadcasters, they’re from Glasgow and I was, to use a well used cliché, blown away. As their performance ensued so an air of studied reverence seemed to envelope the control room as a small group of us gathered around the monitors. Part Sigor Ros part Arab Strap was my lazy amateur off the cuff description but there are also traditional folk elements, like a Scottish Fleet Foxes or a baroque Arcade Fire… musicians coming together from all kinds of backgrounds and making something unique. Which is what it’s all about right?

Anyway, I really enjoyed them, nothing was over done; everything had its place, witnessing this was one of those wonderment and joy moments sent to take us unawares, to keep us on our toes. Afterwards we said hi and ate some cake."

"With rich instrumentation (strings, glockenspiel, tambourines and jangly guitars), bluntly melancholic lyrics and strong local accents.....This stands them in good stead for the release of their forthcoming debut LP"

"Have had The State Broadcasters spinning since we got home. Really taken with it. Gentle, thoughtful, easy on the ear and Scottish. What more could you ask for."

"Just finished listening to the album through for the first time, I think it's beautiful. If Electric Honey have been waiting for an album equal to, or better than Tigermilk for their next full length then they've obviously found it in 'The Ship and The Iceberg'"

"Worth a listen is The State Broadcasters’ swoonsome, alt-country paean to teenage romance ‘Let’s Make T-Shirts’ (Electric Honey) 4 out of 5"

"Let's Make T-Shirts a strong contender for me as single of the year so far. Best new band at Celtic Connections 2006 they 'd be advised to clear their mantelpiece for further awards in the future."

"Let's Make T-Shirts is destined to be one of my singles of the year."

"Displaying a sense of the absurd in lyrics like "I really liked your bunk beds" that would have seemed right at home on the soundtrack of the film "Gregory's Girl". Heart warming stuff. I think I need a hug.

"Takeshi is a delicate, mournful song with a timeless quality that will haunt you. This is the kind of music that gives you a warm feeling on cold winter nights. Crafted with care, it does reward the effort to get into it. Subtler than your average songs, the contents of this EP do not grab you immediately but give it some of your time and you will appreciate the quality. "

"The State Broadcasters take to the stage and I have to say this good looking bunch really entertained me. Opening with the fab "Let's make t-shirts" - a song with an amusing tale behind the lyrics - these folks are full of fun and wit, showing a level of intelligence that is thin on the ground these days. "

"There are strains of Americana but without any of the cliched chicken-picked fenders of swooning pedal steel."

"If you ever thought life requires copious levels of courage and humour let The State Broadcasters be your friend and guide."

"The sense of warmth and comfort, coupled with a mix of honest yet covert lyrics adds to the impression of a band relaxed with their own talent. [like] Teenage Fanclub on a midnight beach in LA that can be only be a good thing."

"There are not many bands who could, let alone would, write a song like South Pole Stag Night, with its sardonic commentary on the confusions around contemporary gender relations. The songs on “The State Broadcasters” EP are wry, sharp and smart observations on life..... on the evidence of these songs, they’ll have a long career to find the balance of their own voice. A name to watch."

"Opinions on the bands myspace site indicate that there are a lot of favourite tracks for people but 'My Binoculars' has something about it.......it has probably induced tears from grown men, it wouldn't be unreasonable to compare the track to an onion, and apart from The Rutles "Cheese And Onions" (or that Rutles rip-off act The Beatles "Glass Onion"), that's as rock n roll as an onion reference is going to get."

"The gentle, folky melancholy of ‘The State Broadcasters EP’ (4 stars) . Swoonsome and touching, the Glaswegian five-piece produce a sonorous blend of Americana and Scottish folk which, although understated, will melt the stoniest heart. Great stuff."

"It’s true this is an ep of simple melodies, ancient of genre and staggeringly innocent. No, it is, The State Broadcasters believe, quite rationally, that we’ll awake to their elegantly articulated and universal truths and fall weeping in the arms of ex’s and enemies."

"the state broadcasters are at hand to restore some colour to your cheeks.
The group's warm and hazy trombone aided folk pop is nicely realised. Such balmy sweetness."

"Wry, sharply observed lyrics, they poke fun at the world whilst sometimes carrying a social message."

"One of Glasgow's best kept secrets, The State Broadcasters may not be a secret for much longer... Tonight was another opportunity for the band to spread the word and if the quality of their set was anything to go by, their fan base will be growing weekly."

"If you heard any of these tunes on FM radio (and it'll be no surprise if you do), the cold rainy landscape outside the window will be banished and you'll wallow in a warm summers balm. No doubt they are playing near you soon; you'd be a fool not to check them out."

"Wistfully romantic without being sentimental and the arrangements are just lush and gorgeous. I love it."

"The state broadcasters are bloody good. Mix two tablespoons of floaty Americana with a soupcon of folk-pop and you're starting to get the flavour."

"The broadcasters possess commercial potential but with heart and soul."