Our obsession with Foxy Leopard seems to grow with every listen. We last featured the artist for sharing the lasting consequences of conflict and inherited trauma with the zeitgeist single, Children Of The War, so when we found out that Foxy was back with Outlaws of Peace, we were curious to say the least.
Outlaws of Peace opens with an emotive and intricate guitar melody and an ethereal, situational ad-lib landing us in Missouri. The vocals are sublime, reminding us of Nick Cave, Rag’n’Bone Man and 2000s bands like 3 Doors Down. As for the narrative, we are immediately drawn into a dark historical landscape where a promise of peace is complicated by violence and trauma.
We appreciate the distinctive presence of resonator guitar. The instrument’s raw and organic metallic attacks, haunting slides and deep acoustic resonance give the composition an Americana acoustic-electric growl, tapping into the intimacy of traditional folk and blues with the grit of some alt country.
Part of the concept album After, Outlaws of Peace explores the aftermath of the American Civil War through the lives and legacies of Jesse and Frank James, former Confederate guerrillas who became notorious outlaws. The track intelligently considers how conflict can become embedded in identity and speaks to inherited trauma, fractured communities and cycles of violence that continue to shape societies across generations.
Foxy Leopard also draws attention to the striking historical parallel between Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 and Jesse James’s murder in 1882, both involving shots from behind. It’s genius and high-concept songwriting at its best. These were very different men with very different legacies, yet their deaths remain connected to the long shadow of the Civil War.
As a cinematic alt-country project from Quebec, Canada, Foxy Leopard continues to build a compelling narrative universe. Fans of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Johnny Cash, 16 Horsepower, The Handsome Family and Mark Lanegan will appreciate the dark Americana, outlaw mythology and existential undertones.
Cinematically, we can imagine Outlaws of Peace landing a sync in films such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Proposition, No Country for Old Men, The Power of the Dog, The Revenant and There Will Be Blood. On television, it could complement 1883, Godless, Deadwood, The English and American Primeval.
Needless to say, we continue to be in awe of this educational and spiritually resonant music project and have added Outlaws of Peace to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Foxy Leopard and anticipate future releases.