Cowboy Junkies - The Wilderness
Posted by Hunter on Thu, 03 May 2012.
Alan Anton
Margo Timmins
Michael Timmins
Peter Timmins
Canadian Alternative Country/Blues/Folk Rock Band, Cowboy Junkies have been around since 1985 (their first debut album making its appearance in 1986), who have opted for an ambitious project of releasing four albums in eighteen months, collectively known as "The Nomad Series". The Wilderness is "Volume 4", and brings the incredibly diverse series inspired by "long-time band friend, artist, Enrique Martinez Celaya", to a "conclusion".
If you're looking for driving guitars, up tempo songs thrashing out a wall of sound, you're going to be disappointed. If however you're looking for contemplative, easy going, laid back tracks to "chill out to", then read on. About the most rocky the album gets is the last track, F*** I hate The Cold", which is really something I can relate to! It's an odd track, cited as being one of their rockiest moments, ever, but the guitar riff reminded me of Nirvana's "Polly" (that thought is quickly dispelled once the second guitar track kicks in with a melody over the top). Apart from that, the album is an eclectic gathering of smooth songs, electric and acoustic mandolins, bowed bass, Wurlitzers and pianos, with the soft vocals of Margo Timmins bringing it all together.
Bizarrely, opening track "Unanswered Letter", I mistook Margo's vocals for Chrissie Hynde. What's really required to accompany this though is an open top Cadillac, a North American summers day, the Rockies on the horizon, and a nice long stretch of road before you. "Angels In The Wilderness" is another stand out song for me personally, as Margo changes her style a little, a softer and slower delivery, and with a very abrupt end to the track, there's a nice emphasis on the question, are there Angels in the wilderness?
All in all a wonderful album for those looking for a something a bit slower paced.
You can find out more about the Cowboy Junkies here: http://latentrecordings.com/cowboyjunkies