16 Horsepower

16 Horsepower bring their darkly grounded Americana to Berlin: on 25 May 2026 the Denver band, led by singer and multi‑instrumentalist David Eugene Edwards together with Pascal Humbert and Jean‑Yves Tola, will take the stage at Festsaal Kreuzberg. Since the early 1990s the trio has combined rural Southern folk, country and bluegrass touches with the energy of post‑punk; lyrics steeped in biblical imagery meet tonal colors that draw on Appalachian traditions.

From this mix came albums such as Sackcloth ’n’ Ashes (1996) with its restrained tension, the denser Low Estate (1997), and Secret South (2000), which explores the acoustic side more deeply. Folklore (2002) turns its attention to traditionals and cover versions, while the live document Hoarse (2000) captures the trio’s stage presence in Europe. The Berlin concert will draw on this repertoire: distinctive songs, fragile ballads and newly interpreted traditionals forming a set that balances rough drive with quiet, concentrated moments. Associated with projects like Wovenhand and Lilium, 16 Horsepower is regarded as a touchstone at the intersection of roots music and indie rock.