Refractory Obdurate
Wovenhand · 2014
42 min · 10 tracks · alternative country
A haunting blend of dark folk and alternative country, infused with spiritual themes and evocative storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Shepherd — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of faith and guidance, melding ethereal instrumentation with introspective lyrics that encapsulate the album's thematic depth.
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Salome — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, Salome illustrates Edwards' skill in weaving narrative and emotion, making it a compelling centerpiece of the record.
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Corsicana Clip — The opener sets an atmospheric tone for the album, combining urgent instrumentation with haunting vocals that draw listeners into Wovenhand's complex world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and unique sound, blending dark folk with alternative country elements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Corsicana Clip' that sets a tense atmosphere, which is maintained through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with strings and percussion building intensity before dropping to sparse arrangements.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and spiritual references, creating a narrative thread that connects the songs thematically.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- spiritual urgency in every track
- lyrical depth with dark undertones
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer quick, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2014, Refractory Obdurate is Wovenhand's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Laughing Stalk (2012). At this point, frontman David Eugene Edwards was further solidifying his unique sound that merges Americana with gothic elements, showcasing a continued evolution in his lyrical and musical approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Eugene Edwards· Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds· The Black Angels
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Corsicana Clip 4:47
- 2 Masonic Youth 3:39
- 3 The Refractory 4:53
- 4 Good Shepherd 4:00
- 5 Salome 5:19
- 6 King David 4:47
- 7 Field of Hedon 3:33
- 8 Obdurate Obscura 5:20
- 9 Hiss 3:53
- 10 El-bow 2:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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