He's the preacher of nightlife. David Eugene Edwards spreads his faith to the tunes of his band 16 Horsepower. Sometimes he's infuriated, sometimes desperate, other times resigned or pedantic. After the concert he draws the sign of the cross in the air and patiently blesses his audience. It's Ascension Day at the Oosterpoort.

His head is directed at the floor. Humbly. His eyes nervously flashing from left to right, scanning the audience. And then they look upwards. To the one David Eugene Edwards draws his inspiration from. To God.

He's restless. All his tics surfacing at the same time. Eyes rolling, shoulders and head twitching. A jolt moves through his legs. Something seems to bother him. When the first song is over, straight away he says: "My voice kinda sucks. I'm sorry."

When he speaks normally it really is very obvious. Edwards is hoarse. His voice still is animated and intense, but only breathtaking every now and then. He avoids long and high notes. 16 Horsepower's compelling quality today - more so than on other occasions - has to come from the slide-guitar, bandoneon (a small tango-accordion) and banjo. Those are the instruments typical of 16 Horsepower. To a smaller extent the violin of Elin Palmer, who is travelling along on this tour, is one too. Together they bring about this mysterious sound. The sound that seems traditional, but actually is incredibly original. Deeply rooted in American folk music, with intense outbursts and ominous pauses. Touched with the bow the double bass evokes the swampy side of 16 horsepower. That side dominates. It comes from the new CD Secret South, an album that's quieter and darker than its two predecessors. The strong folk influences from the older material fade into the background. Yet they get the best response from the audience. That's where the power is, that's where the tempo is. And especially now Edwards' voice is shaky, 16 Horsepower needs that.

Not that the new songs are less impressive. They just demand more attention. And the voice to constantly keep that attention is not here tonight. Moreover he misses his own background vocals from the album. Second guitarist and new band-member Steve Taylor doesn't even come close.

The attention may sometimes wane, wandered spirits can enjoy themselves too. When the slide glides over two strings at the same time. When Edwards beats the living daylights out of his bandoneon (metaphorically speaking), or when he knocks the microphone-stand away with his mouth. And even though it's husky, Edwards' voice still is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Bass-player's Pascal Humbert grin of enjoyment is beautiful too. He understands. You have to drift along with 16 Horsepower. And whether that brings you musical pleasure or takes you to heaven, that is for everyone to decide for themselves.