Wovenhand – Consider the Birds (2004): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction to Consider the Birds
Consider the Birds is the second studio album by American gothic Americana project Wovenhand, released in 2004 via Glitterhouse Records.
Widely regarded as one of the band’s most powerful and defining works, the album expands on the raw minimalism of the debut while introducing a fuller band sound and richer arrangements.
Background and Recording
Following the debut Woven Hand (2002), David Eugene Edwards began transitioning the project into a collaborative band format.
Consider the Birds was recorded with a stronger emphasis on:
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Full-band dynamics
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Layered instrumentation
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Emotional intensity
The album reflects a period of personal and artistic transformation, capturing Edwards’ deeply spiritual and introspective songwriting at a new level of maturity.
Musical Style and Sound
Consider the Birds blends:
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Gothic Americana
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Alternative country
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Neofolk
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Post-rock elements
Key characteristics:
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Dark, haunting atmospheres
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Expanded instrumentation (electric guitar, percussion, ambient textures)
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Intense vocal delivery
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Strong biblical and spiritual imagery
Compared to the debut, the album is:
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More expansive and dynamic
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Less minimalistic
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Emotionally heavier and more immersive
Consider the Birds (2004) Tracklist
The album features 10 tracks:
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Sparrow Falls
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Bleary Eyed Duty
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To Make a Ring
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Off the Cuff
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Chest of Drawers
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Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers cover)
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My Russia
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The Speaking Hands
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Down in Yon Forest
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Iron Feather
The tracklist blends original material with reinterpretations, creating a cohesive and spiritually charged experience.
Album Credits
Band Members / Contributors
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David Eugene Edwards – vocals, guitar, banjo
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Ordy Garrison – percussion, drums
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Additional collaborators contributing to the layered sound
Production
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Produced by David Eugene Edwards
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Released by Glitterhouse Records
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Recorded in the United States
The production highlights a balance between organic instrumentation and atmospheric depth.
Reception and Legacy
Consider the Birds received strong critical acclaim and is often considered one of Wovenhand’s best albums.
Critics praised:
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The album’s emotional intensity
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Its spiritual and lyrical depth
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The evolution toward a fuller, more immersive sound
Over time, it has become a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the gothic Americana genre.
Most Popular Songs from the Album
Sparrow Falls
A haunting opener that sets the album’s dark and spiritual tone.
Bleary Eyed Duty
One of the most intense tracks, featuring raw energy and powerful vocals.
Down in Yon Forest
A traditional-inspired piece with deep folk roots and atmospheric beauty.
Fun Facts About Consider the Birds
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The album marks the transition from solo project to full band identity.
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It includes another reinterpretation of “Ain’t No Sunshine”, showing Edwards’ ongoing connection to the song.
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The sound bridges acoustic folk roots with darker, experimental elements.
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It is frequently cited as a defining gothic Americana album.
Trivia
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Some tracks revisit themes and musical ideas from the debut, but with expanded arrangements.
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The album title reflects a biblical reference, consistent with Edwards’ lyrical themes.
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The record helped establish Wovenhand’s international cult following.
Did You Know?
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Consider the Birds is often ranked among the most important albums in Wovenhand’s discography.
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It represents a key step toward the band’s later heavier and more experimental sound.
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The album’s emotional delivery has made it a favorite among fans of dark folk and alternative music.
