This is probably one of my favorite releases this year. Wovenhand masterfully combines a dark, gothic Americana sound with a whole host of world music influences. I love world music, but I tend to hate the half-baked attempts most American rock musicians make. Wovenhand fully embraces the diverse cultures that they weave into each song. The Middle Eastern elements are especially haunting… a perfect mix for this kind of music. For the two people that don’t know this, the driving force behind Wovenhand is David Eugene Edwards, formerly of 16 Horsepower fame. Edwards has a talent for writing incredibly dark but spiritual lyrics. As a fan of vinyl, I had to get the record version. It is beautiful to see the artwork this size (and it comes with a high quality digital download).
Personal favorite songs are hard to name. “The Threshingfloor” is frantic and mesmerizing at the same time. “His Rest” is encouraging and soothing. “Terre Haute” is complex and engaging. “Wheatstraw” is creepy and minimalistic. The album closer, “Denver City”, is a foot stomping romp that makes you want to clap along even if you are listening in a room by yourself.
Wovenhand is differently unique and, quite frankly, a breath of fresh air in a music scene that is too stale with reality show drop-outs.
[2010 Sounds Familyre | Purchase: soundsfamilyre.com]
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