David Eugene Edwards sings intensively about guilt, forgiveness and doubt. The ticket says David Eugene Edwards of Woven Hand, despite the fact that he originally might be better known as the creative force behind 16 Horsepower for more than six years.

But no matter how he is introduced: on stage at Södra Teatern he's the same old David. Sometimes he appears to be a right out wacko. Like when he's spending long periods of the show just breathing heavily into the microphone. The rest of the time he seems to be introverted and grumpy. Until he starts to sing that is. Then he raises his eyes and let his vibrato loose. There are few singers who sing as intensively and hard as do David Eugene Edwards and here, with nothing but a drummer to back him up, the voice plays a more central role than usual.

When he grew up, Edwards' dad (sic) was a travelling reverend and hence religion is omnipresent in everything Edwards does. The band name Woven Hand for example, comes from the way Christians clasp their hands in prayer. When Edwards loses himself in the music he seems like a southerner preacher at a revivalist meeting. Sometimes it looks as if he is about to shake himself right off his stool.

Once he asks himself whether he is afraid of the dark. There is indeed nothing to indicate such a thing. He is always occupied with the same issues: guilt, forgiveness, doubt and penance. "We're at war with him", he sings and sends a quick glance up against the ceiling of Södra Teatern. His boot stamping the floor. Heavily.

A Professional Rock Show

As seen in Anders' photos, it was an inspired David Eugene Edwards entering the stage in Stockholm in his russianesque hat, at a venue David himself has mentioned as one of his favorites. He and Ordy Garrison put on an almost two hours long set at Sodra Teatern, including several long pulsating instrumental intermissions. It was very nice to see David bring along that old wooden banjo of his on this tour. It brings an almost magical sound to the mix.

When coming back on to play the encore and just before starting the solo version of Golden Rope, David laconically said “Now.. a bit serious!” And just seconds later, upon having trouble tuning the electric guitar he announced, too much amusement among the waiting crowd, that we're witnessing “a professional rock show”. I'd say.

by Johan D

For more pictures, visit Anders' website.