It is quite a surprise indeed, the new 16hp album. Shortly after the release of David Eugene Edwards' Woven Hands [sic] project, that is now followed by a new band album. To be brief: It is not only called "Folklore", but that is how it sounds too! There are four traditionals and for original 16HP compositions each, and two cover versions (Hank Williams & Carter Family) as well.

The songs have naturally been kept wontedly dark and intens(iv)e, as we are used to from 16hp - but they have been presented very restrained. Even though the orientation of the Woven Hands [sic again] album was rather acoustic, it comes out clearly more spirited in comparison. But that is in accordance with the rather contemplative body of songs on "Folklore", and in some places 16hp even becomes downright cheerful: with "Robe a Parasol" there even is a genuine zydeco jaunt to enjoy.

Notwithstanding that - or especially because of that - "Folklore" has become a typical 16hp record, for the ardour with which David pours out his cryptic lyrics full of damnation, penitence and remission, was spared no more than the tension span, eating away at your nerves, which is so characteristic of 16hp. On "Folklore" David Eugene Edwards presents himself as a folk preserver in the spirit of the Lomax brothers - if only with other omens.