“A seamless transition from solo to full band, combined with the poetic lyrics that gave MacDonald his own identity, make for an excellent record. 8.6/10″ - Take Me To Your Music review of “We Are Bound”
“The music is pure, without a lot of effects, and it’s like a breath of fresh air…It’s fresh, smart and eloquent…[and] one of the top albums I’ve heard all year.” - IndieShows.Net review of “We Are Bound”
“It’s a brilliant record – the songs are well put together and strangely affecting.” - Artrocker.com
“Plymouth, Massachusetts’ Stephen MacDonald recruited a backing band this time around for his follow up to his solo debut. The album is abundant with rich folk influenced melodies and the addition of a backing band allows Stephen to evolve his sound even further, making this album one of the most authentic releases of 2009!” - The Music Box
“‘Could Gamble’ is a great, antsy way to kick off Stephen MacDonald’s We Are Bound…when he decides to try and break the mold, it’ll be good and broken, for sure. I’m looking forward to his next album.” - Rock O’ Clock
“Stephen MacDonald’s debut album, Building Hands, reeks of optimistic honesty that’s as refreshing as it is contagious. Simple lyrics and chords are married together in peaceful harmony that touches the soul and pleases the ear.” – Brooke Brunetto for SouthCoast247.com
“This year, he self-released a completely mind-blowing CD. The lyrics, the music, the voice… all perfect…Stephen MacDonald is the complete singer-songwriter package, thus earning title of Best New Act of 2008.” – Ryan Wood for Wicked Local
“Rock, pop, and hip-hop rule the mainstream, but the turn of the century has brought the birth of a new crop of singer-songwriters — Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst), Iron and Wine (Samuel Beam), and recently Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) and Devendra Banhart. Plymouth singer-songwriter Stephen MacDonald is part of the reemergence.” - Old Colony Memorial
“I missed a couple acts, and all apologies to those I missed, but the singer who closed out the three-hour show first reminded me of Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes. He was Stephen MacDonald…Brilliant work from a rising singer/songwriter.” - Take Me To Your Music blog