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Wovenhand (also stylized Woven Hand) is an American alternative country band from Denver, Colorado, led by former 16 Horsepower frontman David Eugene Edwards. Wovenhand’s music combines influences from Southern Gothic music, old-time music, folk music, gospel music, and rock and roll, among other genres and styles of music.
Wovenhand’s songs are known for their strong and unsettling Biblical references, influenced by Edwards’ atypically dark approach to his Christian faith.
After yet another seriously ominous album in which David Eugene Edwards praised the higher power, many people wanted to catch their breath. However, with The Laughing Stalk he immediately puts you back on the right path.
Edwards has used Wovenhand as a conduit for his religious messages since the break-up of 16 Horsepower in 2001 and he has now collected his devout songs on six introspective albums. Although he continues in the same vein with stories about the fundamental weaknesses of humanity, The Laughing Stalk contains fewer Indian screams and banjos and Edwards gives the electric guitars a much larger role than before. As a result, a fresh breeze blows through the music, a breeze that regularly builds up into a big storm. ‘King O King’ and ‘Glistening Black’ even feature a few metal riffs. Drums take the lead in ‘Closer’, the song in which Edwards’ inspiration, Joy Division, can also be heard most clearly. ‘Maize’ is the only little thing on the album.
Producer Alexander Hacke (Einstürzende Neubauten) is partly responsible for the strongly peppery sound. Edwards and Hacke became friends when they were asked as guitarists to revive the Australian Crime and the City Solution. But the revised composition of Wovenhand will also have led to the new dynamics. With two new band members, The Laughing Stalk sounds more like the result of a joint effort. Drummer Ordi Garrison was the only one left besides Edwards, but with guitarist Chuck French and bassist Gregory Garcia, Wovenhand is back on track.
The Laughing Stalk will keep you on your toes, or on the Scriptures, if you prefer. It is a hypnotic album that could turn out to be an experience that will blow you away live. If Edwards cannot exorcise his demons in this way, he has no choice but to remain silent and retire to a monastery.
Track listing
- Long Horn – 4:55
- The Laughing Stalk – 5:02
- In The Temple – 5:14
- King O King – 4:18
- Closer – 3:17
- Maize – 4:05
- Coup Stick – 4:28
- As Wool – 5:41
- Glistening Black – 5:47
Companies, etc.
- Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Glitterhouse Records
- Distributed By – Indigo (2) – Indigo CD 964381
- Recorded At – Mighty Fine Productions
- Recorded At – Kindness Studios
- Mastered At – Monoposto Mastering
- Manufactured By – Optimal Media GmbH – AC83880
- Lacquer Cut At – Optimal Media GmbH
- Pressed By – Optimal Media GmbH – BC84443
Credits
- Art Direction – Melissa Rick
- Bass – Gregory Garcia
- Cover [Cover Art] – Charles French
- Drums – Ordy Garrison
- Guitar – His Grace, Sir Charles French
- Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Vocals – David E. Edwards
- Lacquer Cut By – HL
- Mastered By – Michael Schwabe
- Mixed By – Alexander Hacke, DEE
- Music By, Lyrics By – David Eugene Edwards
- Organ – Jeffery Linsenmeier
- Photography By – DEE
- Producer – DEE
- Recorded By [Kindness Studios] – Joseph Richmond
- Recorded By [Mighty Fine Productions] – Colin Bricker
Notes
Released: Sep 11, 2012
Recorded: live in studio in Denver City at Mighty Fine Productions. Recorded at Kindness Studios (The Fray) Elktooth, CO.
Mastered at: Monoposto Mastering, Düsseldorf
Genre: Alternative Rock
Length: 42:51
Producer: DEE (David Eugene Edwards)
Label – Glitterhouse Records
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