This was one of the few times I saw a good support-act: Helldorado, a Norwegian collective with leading man Dag Vagle. The band played vigorous, but clean rock music. They even slightly resembled 16 Horsepower. Admittedly, the use of the well-know 'creaking microphone' contributed to this similarity. They ended their short gig with a Gun Club cover. "This is a song from one of our favourite bands", Vagle said. It was really powerful!

Some 250 persons filled the small room of the 013. Apart from the noisy and stoned lady in the front everyone was ready for this evening's high mass. "Good evening", greeted Edwards his dedicated flock. Tin Finger, the opening song of this tour, sounded less convincing than otherwise because of the lack of ensemble. But this was largely counterbalanced by the smashing performance of White Bird. I was wondering whether some angels (They are white birds, aren't they?) would descend from heaven at that time. The contribution of the self-assured guitar-player Peter Van Laerhoven, was really marvellous here. The sound he produced, was nice and clearly audible now, contrary to the concert in De Panne (B). This talented musician will certainly be of surplus value to the band in the future.

"We'd like to say thank you to Helldorado for letting us play with them", said Edwards jokingly, before he began a long version of Phyllis Ann. Phyllis Ruth' sister, daughter or mother - who can tell- brought the singer's head in the clouds, once again. "The sky is on fire... it just doesn't look like it / the rain is dry... my Lord has love in his eye and I call out with all my hollow to my Father in the sky", he cheered.

"That's Peter van Laerhoven on the guitar over there, and then you get us two", was sufficient to introduce the band. The least one can say about their new, heavier approach is that it is highly provocative. Woven Hand hardliners do have to get used to it. The smooth melodies of a mandolin, a piano and subtle percussion have had to make way for rougher guitars and drums. It suits songs like Sparrow falls, My Russia and Wooden Brother, but Arrowhead and Your Russia drown in this too harsh sound. As a result the whole seem to become cluttered. Obviously, things will be refined. After all, it's the first time that Woven Hand rocks this way.

Straw Foot remains a smart piece of live music. Edwards stamping his feet while singing a song about marching, it works. "During the civil war in the South, there weren't many people who could read or write. When they were teaching them how to march they put hey on one hand and straw on the other... and they say your hey foot your straw foot", he once explained the title.

With Dirty Blue and Deerskin Doll Woven Hand played two brand-new songs. Especially Dirty Blue appealed to the audience's imagination. Those who closed their eyes imagined themselves being at a 16 Horsepower concert. Drummer Ordy Garrison has much more to offer than precise percussion. This rendition of Your Russia really rocks. And as long as the drums don't drown out the vocals that's o.k.

Edwards played the first two encores solo. The attention of the passionate audience was fixed on the long-drawn-out version of Black Soul Choir. And the Hungarian traditional Outlaw Song, a song about horses, brought me in a nostalgic mood. Will those 16 Horses ever be trot out again?

The mass ended after two hours. Would anybody have listened to the sermon? David Eugene Edwards seems to be at odds with himself. Does he have a genuine band at this time? Does he change sounds and musicians due to his tormented soul? Of course these thoughts are too far-fetched. Woven Hand is in the transitional stage of becoming a firm band. That bodes well!

by Bert