"Martha Tilston's reputation as a politically conscious singer-songwriter has seen her both nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award, and invited to collaborate with the likes of Zero 7. The Sea, her first foray into traditional song, comprises "traditional folk songs about the sea, collected, sung and played with family & friends - kith & kin ... She and brother Joe Tilston deliver some glorious sibling harmonies on Shallow Brown, while dad Steve Tilston guests on Fisher Lad Of Whitby (for which he also composed the tune). Step-ma Maggie Boyle duets on Lovely On The Water, on which Martha's regular accomplices, guitarist Nick Marshall and bass and bouzouki player Matt Tweed, in a breathtaking five/four time arrangement, evoke the spirit of Pentangle (a link further enhanced by the inclusion of a lovely version of Blackwaterside - dedicated to "family friend and big influence" Bert Jansch) ... Tilston's family background (...) has helped to forge her into a considerable artist,andwith The Sea she successfully marries content and context in the creation of a folk album with real musical and emotional depth. Dive in!".