Wovenhand: The Threshingfloor

Wovenhead are an American folk rock band consisting of David Eugene Edwards (vocals, banjo, concertina, guitar), Pascal Humbert (bass), Ordy Garrison (drums) and guest Peter Eri (Hungarian Shepherd's flute). The Threshingfloor is the band's fifth album and follow up to their 2008 release Ten Stones.

The music of Wovenhand has a mysterious aura that is partly due to the wide range of influences the band exhibits including Middle Eastern, European and Native American folk styles. The music ebbs and flows with acoustic guitar that can be as gentle as a whisper or bristling with an intense brooding atmosphere. David Edwards proves to be an excellent leader and versatile musician. His acoustic guitar playing can be quite hypnotic and he has a deep resonating voice that carries a wistful melancholic tone. The darker nature of some of these compositions belies the spiritual nature of the music and makes for an intriguing listen and because of the diverse influences I never found this album to drag unlike some other folk rock albums I have heard.

Gentle acoustic guitar opens the pastoral folk of "Sinking Hands" the album's first track. While the acoustic guitar is quite lovely, the droning background instrumentation carries an ominous feel. The band's diverse influences come shining through in the title track where a Middle Eastern melody and a more frantic pace gives the music an urgent feel. Strains of flute permeate the background and after hearing Edward's deep voice I could not help but think of the late Jim Morrison. Native American sounds and spiritual lyrics permeate "Raise Her Hands" while electronic elements weave through the acoustic fabric in "His Rest" which makes for a nice contrast in styles. The sparsely arranged "Behind Your Breath" is quite dramatic, particularly the background vocals and the somber "Truth" has more of an electronic vibe and pulsating drum beat where Garrison shows his considerable skill on the drum kit.

Anyone interested in folk related music will want to hear The Threshingfloor. For everyone else, excellent musicianship and strong songwriting should compel people to check them out. The Threshingfloor has definitely caught my attention and am looking forward to hearing more from the band.

Track Listing:
1. Sinking Hands
2. The Threshingfloor
3. A Holy Measure
4. Raise Her Hands
5. His Rest
6. Singing Grass
7. Behind Your Breath
8. Truth
9. Terre Haute
10. Orchard Gate
11. Wheatstraw
12. Denver City

Added: May 30th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's MySpace Page
Hits: 2280
Language: english

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