A common complaint against commercial country radio's music is its reliance on bland '80s pop/rock influences. What if Garth Brooks and Lonestar listened to, say, Joy Division and Echo & The Bunnymen instead of James Taylor and Billy Joel? And were drawn to lyrics that drew upon Scripture and imagery from fevered psycho-sexual metaphor? C'mon, they'd still bite and never be as cool nor engrossing as Woven Hand. That's the side project of David Eugene Edwards, 16 Horsepower's high-strung leader. And just as Elvis Costello discovered electronics to refashion the early sounds he made with The Attractions on his latest set, so Edwards sounds to be utilizing digital media to make a less harsh, more enigmatic strain of 16 Hp's gothic alt-country/post-punk singularity. A droning, vocally processed remake of "Ain't No Sunshine" bears minimal resemblance to the Bill Withers and Adam Again faves. Elsewhere, numbers such as "Blue Pail Fever" recall the stuttered gallop of some Factory Records acts (including Joy You-Know-Who), and in this relatively subdued context Edwards' bears some vocal rsemblance to chief Bunnyman Ian McCulloch. "Your Russia" offers major key respite from gloom before the concluding descent into gloom, "Last Fist." Edwards and Woven Hand would still scare the bejeepers out of your church youth group, but aren't you glad about it?
Editors' ratings — Doug 3/5, David 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris BrownIt had all the makings of the demise of a truly great band. Despite reaching their highest level of success ever - playing major festivals and selling out music halls throughout Europe - Denver's 16 Horsepower had cut their last 2 tours short without giving much in the way of explanation. So when the band cited religious differences and announced they were going on hiatus for a year, it didn't…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris FlierWoven Hand can instantly be recognized as the solo project of 16 Horsepower's front-man David Eugene Edwards. "I wrote the songs with the band in mind" says Edwards, describing the genesis of the tracks. Supporting him in the background are Daniel Smith and the Danielson family. Edwards was so taken by the collaboration that another project is expected later this year. Yet David Eugene remains…Opus 2002Reviewed by Chris BrownIt had all the makings of the demise of a truly great band. Despite reaching their highest level of success ever -- playing major festivals and selling out music halls throughout Europe -- Denver's 16 Horsepower had cut their last 2 tours short without giving much in the way of explanation. So when the band cited religious differences and announced they were going on hiatus for a year, it didn't…Similar sounding releases
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