Cowboy Junkies

The Cowboy Junkies' four-part "Nomad Series" has seen the venerable Toronto band not so much re-invent themselves as reconnect with an elusive, unfettered creative spirit that fuelled their formation 25 years ago. As a finale, The Wilderness serves as a perfect summation of the project, confirming the Junkies' core musical principles, as well as a sign that they are sure to carry them into the future. In that way, The Wilderness is the most "conventional" album of the series – ten songs written in a more personal voice than singer/guitarist Michael Timmins has used in some time, and not as effectively since 1996's brilliant Lay It Down. It's in such an unhurried atmosphere that Margo Timmins' voice shines and tracks such as opener "Unanswered Letter (for JB)" and "Angels in the Wilderness" find her in top form. The band are at their subtle best throughout, capturing the wintry desolation the album's title and artwork suggests, even in a sardonic way on closer "Fuck, I Hate The Cold." Again, The Wilderness is a reminder of what a great band Cowboy Junkies are, and getting to experience so many facets of that unique musical personality with the "Nomad Series" has been something few other bands could ever offer.