With “Outlaws of Peace” Foxy Leopard follows an unconventional path through the country and folk genres, the track being notable for its raw and aggressive use of resonator guitar. The combination of metallic string strokes, haunting slides and a deep acoustic resonance produces an almost electric growl, endowing the recording with a roughness that distinguishes it from standard genre norms. Instead of imitating traditional country or blues, the song takes a more forceful approach and lets its distinctive guitar sound establish a unique identity.
So much of the attraction comes from the contrast between the instrument’s acoustic base and its bold tone. The resonator guitar has a metallic quality which goes beyond what is normally expected in traditional folk music arrangements, producing a sound that sounds rough rather than refined. This method gives the song a distinct musical character without the need to move away from its origins. The guitar’s personality is derived from how the instrument is used, which makes it the key element in the recording’s unusual appeal.
Apart from its sound, ‘Outlaws of Peace’ is based on the period that followed the American Civil War and looks at the violence which continued after the hostilities had ceased. The song focuses on Jesse and Frank James, two former Confederate guerrillas, as examples of the problems involved in moving on from wartime experiences. Instead of praising the myth of the outlaws, the song examines the effects of a conflict which kept affecting people’s lives well after peace had been declared.
The strength of “Outlaws of Peace” lies in the combination of an unusual guitar sound with a theme that goes beyond typical country storytelling; the record has character due to its rough edges and receives musical direction from its historical setting. Foxy Leopard shows how well-known acoustic elements can be reshaped in order to produce something less predictable, and achieves a song that combines experimentation with a clear narrative aim.
