CONSIDER THE BIRDS

Wovenhand's third album finds Dave Eugene Edwards in his finest form since he did the 16 Horsepower masterpiece Secret South. Also Wovenhand hangs about in dark and gloomy places, creating a gothic kind of folk full of haunted angst and frightening religious devotion.

The album starts quite energetic with the lively acoustic guitar strumming of Sparrow Falls. Layered harmonic vocals, slide guitars and piano add to a thick dark atmosphere. Things slow down from here on. Bleary Eyed Duty has a sparse instrumentation consisting of piano, soft percussion and chorused bass guitar. It sounds a bit like a gothic version of Morphine this one. To Make A Ring makes for a first highlight. It's a typically glum Edwards epic that may appeal greatly to Nick Cave fans. From Her To Eternity anyone?

Off The Cuff is the most folky tune thus far. The vocals are slightly distorted and create some kind of industrial feel, while Chest of Drawers wouldn't be out of place on a Leonard Cohen album. The spine-chilling highpoint of the album is Oil On Panel, so seemingly calm but full of holy fire, wonderful how this builds up to the sweeping chorus. Edwards is a man of emotional intensity and he sure doesn't disappoint here.

Also The Speaking Hands maintains the strong focus of this album. Down In Yon Forest is a welcome folksy ditty that lightens up the mood a bit while Edwards sings "I Love my lord Jesus above anything." Luckily the lyrics are very poetic, with a disturbing kind of twist, preventing them from sounding preachy or pedantic. Tin Finger and the fantastic Into The Piano end the album on a high note.

This is not Prog, it's not proggy and neither is it progressive. I thought I might clarify that for you in case it matters. Yet it's fantastic, intense and original. The persistent gloomy mood might make you yearn for fresh air when this album is over, and that is exactly the whole idea of it. Great release from Mr Edwards.