The band is known for tight three- and four-part vocal harmonies, extensive and progressive original material, off-the-wall covers, and energetic performance dynamics around two tightly-spaced condenser mics.

Original members Josh Erwin, Tom Baker, and Michael Paynter grew up together and "started playing casually" around Athens in 2001.

It was produced by Scott McCaughey and features appearances by Bill Berry, Brad Morgan, Matt "Pistol" Stoessel, Thayer Serrano, and Shonna Tucker.

The Packway Handle Band has toured widely and shared the stage with many great musicians including Ralph Stanley, The Avett Brothers, Shovels & Rope, Yonder Mountain String Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Infamous Stringdusters, Donna The Buffalo, Darrell Scott, Larry Keel, Jeff Austin, and Confederate Railroad.

We revolve the sound around the acoustic instruments, but we add touches here and there of other instrumentation.Inspirations for the group's musical style include Hot Rize and Devo.