"Newfoundland free spirits Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne sang a polished and thoroughly professional set of sailing tunes, original and older shanties, a stirring performance by two of the best folk musicians on the East Coast."
- Stephen Pedersen, The Chronicle-Herald, The Mail Star, Halifax (Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, 1998)

"....strong voices.... rollickingsea shanties.... major local talent."
- Kelly Davis, Clarenville Packet

"...great new disc....greatsingers...lively arrangements....Payne's original songs...are fine additionsto the storehouse of occupational songs and have the taste of salt sprayon them to boot....satisfyingly rough and hearty. Great stuff, b'ys!"
- Steve Winick, Dirty Linen

"....songs wouldn't sound outof place at any kitchen party in the region....O'Byrne and Payne handleall the instruments and vocals with practised skill....straightforwardarrangements and performances a welcome change....standouts here are toonumerous to mention."
- Curtis Rumbolt, The Express

"....well known names in Newfoundland folk circles....full-bodied singing on shanties.... impressive.... fulfills promise.... strong ballad singing.... anthemic chorus stays lodged in brain cells....excellent compilation of Newfoundland seafaring songs."
- John O'Regan, Rock 'n Reel

"...splendid addition to the recorded music of the Maritimes...their own compositions (are) solidly within the tradition...arrangements are well-balanced and support the strong vocals...great choice for listening, collecting new songs or learning about the culture of the Maritimes."
- Sing Out!

"They (Payne and O'Byrne) bring an obvious love and affinity for traditional song to this finely-balanced though varied collection, and their individual contributions mesh seamlessly...highly reminiscent of The Dubliners... a treat for the academic, the enthusiast and any interested listener. It certainly is for this writer!"
- Tom Lewis, The Canadian Folk Music Bulletin de musique folklorique canadienne, Sept./Dec. 1997, Vol31, #3/4