Rene Robrahn has played with Bobby Byrd and others from a soul/funk background.
Thanks Tim, from this bit of info I've now been able to find quite a few references to him.....obviously capable, and more experienced than Josh/James...
Whether http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Splcg8dB09k is typical, we'll have to wait and see.
Hell, that YouTube clip is a bit cheesey!
Hmm, but useful...let's say Rene also demonstrates desirable qualities such as flexibility and adaptability!
Based on these few examples I would say that Martin has assembled a line up who are clearly capable, are experienced live, are comfortable being recorded (or as comfortable as you'll ever be in the circumstances), can write songs, are multi-instrumental (Josh plays drums in omigosh, james plays bass in ringowotsit) and have a quirky element in James. And Martin!
Putting aside the issues that have led to the formation of this band - I'm looking forward to hearing them.