Woven Hand can instantly be recognized as the solo project of 16 Horsepower's front-man David Eugene Edwards. "I wrote the songs with the band in mind" says Edwards, describing the genesis of the tracks. Supporting him in the background are Daniel Smith and the Danielson family (sic). Edwards was so taken by the collaboration that an other project is expected later this year. Yet David Eugene remains the defining horsepower, even when the overall impression is conveyed with amplified acoustic instrumentation and archaic folklore sounds.

Particularly interesting is the expressive use of the banjo, which is miles away from classic country music. Instead Woven Hand uses the instrument to generate speed. In this way, "Glass Eye" becomes a runaway train: "Quick to anger and quick to speak - afraid to lose these things not mine to keep - the spirit is willing the flesh is weak."

For me Edwards is that old testament figure of fury whose grief and rage at his own mistakes threaten to lead to destruction. Negative emotions seem to be giving Woven Hand so much power that its creativity appears to be exploding. Last year all members of 16 Horsepower wanted to take a prolonged time-out. This year the engine is shifting up its gears again. Woven Hand is a very unified compact album. It is pop music in the very best sense of the term - pop music at its best!