Sixteen Horsepower's third album, Low Estate, finds the group at the peak of their powers, moving their hypnotic, rustic country-rock into neo-Gothic territory. Producer John Parish helps the group reach their potential, accentuating the darkness and mystery inherent in their music. There are still a few weak moments on the record, but overall, Low Estate is an impressive leap forward for Sixteen Horsepower, and album that clearly separates the band from their alt-country contemporaries. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
David Eugene Edwards (Vocals), Pascal Humbert (Bass Fiddle), David Eugene Edwards (Concertina), John Parish (Percussion), David Eugene Edwards (Group Member), John Parish (Producer), David Eugene Edwards (Hurdygurdy), Pascal Humbert (Guitar), John Parish (Xylophone), Pascal Humbert (Bass), Jeff Shuey (A&R), David Eugene Edwards (Guitar), Ken Schles (Photography), Jean-Yves Tola (Piano), Jeffrey Paul Norlander (Guitar), Jeffrey Paul Norlander (Vocals (Background)), John Parish (Guitar), Jeffrey Paul Norlander (Fiddle), Steve Taylor (Guitar), Sunja Park (Art Direction), Jeffrey Paul Norlander (Cello), Jeffrey Paul Norlander (Organ), John Parish (Organ), Jean-Yves Tola (Drums), Bob Ludwig (Mastering), Phil Nicolo (Mixing), John Parish (Mixing), Sunja Park (Design), David Eugene Edwards (Banjo), Jean-Yves Tola (Percussion), Jeff Powell (Engineer)
Low Estate is the second full-length album by 16 Horsepower. Released in 1997, only a year after Sackcloth 'n' Ashes, it drew heavily upon compositions pre-dating the band's first album.
The album was also released in a French Version and a "Nouvelle Version" with slightly different track lists. Most notably, the Nouvelle Version also included a rendition of the Gun Club song "Fire Spirit" and Marly/d'Astier composition "The Partisan", as well as a re-recording of "Coal Black Horses", originally featured on the 16 Horsepower EP.
