Edwards makes music that has its roots in a dark, country vision. It's rumbling sounds, odd and ancient instruments, and unforgettable tunes coupled to a voice reminiscent of a more controlled, more versatile Jeffrey Lee Pierce. My first exposure to him was from a song called "Heel on the Shovel" from 16 Horsepower's release, Sackcloth 'n' Ashes. The opening is a pure country guitar building to that unsteady vocal on the first pair of lines: "I'm diggin' you a shallow grave / and to the sun your face I'll raise..."
I was hooked.
Edwards has only grown better. Woven Hand, without the backing of his 16 Horsepower band mates, is a more pure expression of his musical vision, although the overall sound doesn't stray far from that path. Until this Friday night, though, I had only heard the CDs--and the concert experience is something entirely different.
Woven Hand, the band, is impressive. The drums are tight and explosive, the bass line is a deep, rumbling that resonates in your stomach, and Edwards' guitar (and banjo and, I believe, balalaika, although I didn't get a good look at the instrument) play is brilliant. Songs that seem quiet and introspective on a CD become urgent and nearly overwhelming in concert. The music--admittedly loud music--is entrancing in its rhythms and hooks, the lyrics a darker testament in a smoke-filled room.
Most of the night is devoted to Woven Hand songs, but a couple of 16 Horsepower tunes make the cut, too. An older song like "Black Soul Choir" slips in with the newer "Tin Finger" seamlessly, creating one perfect sermon where Edwards shows us the world from his own point of view.
The best moment of the night comes during an extended version of "Down in Yon Forest" where Edwards became a frighteningly animated figure on the stage, attacking the song and his acoustic guitar with a furious power. I've been to the loudest, fastest, hardest heavy metal concerts, but I don't know that I've ever seen a more intense and passionate performance (or an audience quite so transfixed). His sleight body flailed, his voice was a whisper and then a howling terror. And this audience, this strange mix of people, went absolutely crazy as the final, quiet of the song descended and he sang, "I love my lord Jesus above everything."
Article comments
1 - info
Official Woven Hand web site:
Woven Hand
2 - The Theory
one of the greatest experiences of my life was seeing Sixteen Horsepower in Cleveland last year. Defnintely envious of your experience. Good write up
3 - zombyboy
Thanks very much--and know that I'm jealous, too. I have yet to see a 16 HP concert even though I've been living here in Denver for years.
4 - The Theory
Do they play denver much anymore? It seems like they mostly tour Europe these days. Which is a great shame. I had to cross a state line to catch the Cleveland show.