Wovenhand is one of those band with a cult status, thanks to David Eugene Edwards and the band that existed before Wovenhand (and that is 16 Horsepower). During the hiatus of 16 Horsepower, David formed Wovenhand and commenced a new story. As their latest release shows, this band is very different than it was at the beginning. Woven Hand, Consider the Birds and Mosaic are their key albums through which they formed their recognizable sound and style, and generated a global fanbase.
The phase until Mosaic is the matrix of Wovenhand when Edwards reached his pinnacle and presented the beauty of his talent as an author and singer. The phase was defined by neofolk, alternative country and old-time music. With such a style, no wonder Edwards’ lyrics were bursting with religion imagery and the themes of redemption, mercy, regret and death. Edwards is not a religious man in a sense that he believes in organized religion, but he has a relationship with God that gives him strength, creativity and inspiration to be a better individual. In other words, he turned his faith into art.
What occurred after The Laughing Stalk was the new chapter. The album was produced by Alexander Hacke, making Wovenhand a rock band. Lyrics remained the same, although not as brilliant or saturated with metaphors as before.
Star Treatment, their current studio album, brings refinement to the rock sound. Come Brave opens the record with high energy, as If it was a rudiment from their earlier albums. It is clear that Wovenhand is still a magnificent band. It is not just about eclectic sound, a mixture of folk and rock in The Hired Hand or Crook and Flail, but it is also worth it because of divine lyrics of Swaying Red and The Quiver.
All Your Waves and Golden Blossom are maybe the best moments from the album, connecting the two separate phases of the band. Overall, the album proves that good music remains good, no matter the artistic phase.
