Woven Hand Review
By Euchrid

My friend and I think Woven Hand ought to be a church band. I know I'd go to that church. But then again, that church might not last too long because the congregation would probably commit mass-suicide after Woven Hand plays.
Of course that's an exaggeration and a joke, but the latest album, 'Mosaic' (Sounds Familyre, 2006), is a bit of a downer. You feel like God's own finger is pointing out your shortcomings when you listen to it. David Eugene Edwards (or DEE, or Evaid Eugene, or even Mr. Jesusfeet as we like to call him) seems to be preaching at you, but he's said that his lyrics are mostly directed at himself. That may or may not make for an even more intense listen.
David Eugene strays yet further from his roots with 16 Horsepower on this album, but it’s a logical sorta stray. His other influences are getting more and more obvious- Einstürzende Neubauten of all things could easily be cited on 'Slota Prow (Full Armour)' with its archaic and jarring intro. That along with 'Dirty Blue' with its driving rhythm are the albums high points by all accounts. The latter contains such lyrics as "you're curled up warm in your own little corner of sodom/did you agree to believe this fall has no bottom" which gives most people the shakes when they hear it. The fantastically understated bassline on 'Swedish Purse' will give you a totally different case of the shakes as well. 'Swedish Purse' is one of the hidden joys as it takes a few spins to really jump out at you. The one track that has most people tweaking their necks in confusion is 'Bible and Bird', a happy little instrumental jaunt down a sunny country lane or something. It may seem out of place, but trust me- the album needs the break from the unrelenting vibe of SCARY.
Woven Hand is not the country music you hear on the radio. Though it has an undeniable sort of twang to it, you could just as easily pin them as an Eastern-European folk band, considering the minor keys and some of the obscure instruments used. Hurdy-gurdies and other weird things that I can't recall the names of that are played by Elin Palmer, who was David Eugene's daughter's violin teacher at one point. David Eugene's voice is something to behold on its own. Never have I heard anyone sound so frail yet still have so much power in his voice. He is passionate to the point of possession. He still has the same chased-up-a-tree-by-Satan intensity, but its less spastic and more genuinely unsettling.
Frighteningly spiritual, this is headphone music. Music to get lost in. Music to see the sweet baby Jesus with. It's also great to listen to on the bus.

The album art was done by David Eugene as well. Apparently the illustration on the back is of 'a man eating a seahorse'.

See also:
Einstürzende Neubauten
Noir Désir
Munly & The Lee Lewis Harlots

 

 

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