I can't believe that Woven Hand does what they do. David Eugene Edwards, who fronts the band writes songs that say things like:

Go into the Lord's house
Go in a mile
The world will bow
The knees will be broken for those who don't know how
He delights not in the strength of horses
He takes no pleasure in the cleverness of men

He's been compared to an Old Testament prophet by Paste Magazine and Pitchfork Media. The most recent review in Paste Magazine started by recommending, "Don't come to David Eugene Edwards looking for a catchy melody to whistle. If there's something getting stuck in your head while listening to his austere, harrowing Americana, it's the cutting edge of a heavenly archangel's flaming sword."

Well said. 

His music is definitely intense and the intensity explodes at his live shows. The musical influences at work here might come from American Indian traditions or Gregorian chants, maybe southern rock. 

I think what I enjoy so much about Woven Hand is that they blow away all the ideas about how Christians are supposed to engage culture. I don't think he has a "mission strategy", though I know he thinks of his music as ministry. He can get away with such straight forward lyrics in the music scene because he's considered authentic.

When referring to Woven Hand's lyrics, one atheist writing for Pitchfork answered why someone who doesn't hold to the writer's beliefs would still listen:

"Well, because unlike empty teen angst or bitchy navel gazing, Edwards has a certified message and even with the spikes and thorns and judgments his work emerges from a compelling, otherworldly mindset…Instead of peppering his work with brief/sappy/peachy references, Edwards unleashes a torrent."

The question that comes to mind for me is whether or not there are any visual artists equivalent to Woven Hand in both pursuing such unique personal visions coupled with such blatant and unapologetic Christian faith. I can't think of any from the 20^th or 21^st century. If you can think of any, let me know.

Woven Hand plays at the 930 with Interstates Thursday, October 9 @ 8 p.m. / Doors open @ 7 p.m. / All ages / $10.