It actually is curious, that I discovered 16 Horsepower only recently. This live-album is further proof of their exceptional position. For 16 Horsepower is a true revelation, musically speaking. Dave Edwards sings passionately, so that the rind cracks. He wallows in the tones, lets his delightful trashy vibrato sound and he is in his element, when the notes are long and his voice slowly but surely becomes "hoarse".

Filled to the brim with emotions, the singer flings uncomfortable truths at the audience, straight in their faces. Unsparing, towards himself as well, he picks the dark sides. What is more, everything could be so nice. 16 Horsepower is deeply rooted in country-music. Consequently the banjo is hopping around stage, excited as a little boy. But woe betide him! Grandpa's accordion is also present. It chastises with low and tottering tones. No instrument is safe from the gloom of the oldish companion. Neither the drums, nor the bass and not even the guitar dare to contradict it. Surely the cello has its own voice too, but opportunistic, as the bass-tones are, the cello does not offer the accordion a side to attack.

So the melody sways and waves, always in analogical figures, which are not identical though. This monotony to a certain extent, this minimalism, mirrors the punk ideas in the bandmember's heads. Because 16 Horsepower is punk and therewith at least spiritually affined to the Violent Femmes. "Hoarse" takes along the listener to the midst of the concert. Tangible, he can see Dave Edwards' rocking head, the rickety guitars and the evil accordion. He who does not bop now, has a heart of flint.