Formed around the unique song writing talents of William Merriman the Harvest Minister's music is a blend of classic pop, flowing melodies, and tortured lyrics. The sound of the Harvest Ministers reflects Will's influences, Hank Williams, Ray Davies, Buddy Holly as much as it does traditional Irish culture in its use of instruments like violin and accordion. The band started life in 1987 in Dublin playing the local circuit as an acoustic trio with William Merriman on guitar and vocals, Maeve Roche on vocals and Padraig McCaul on saxophone.