I was introduced to Cowboy Junkies at university in Belfast in the early ’90s, via their epic 1988 album, The Trinity Session. The stark, beautiful music the Timmins family produced then has been sustained across five decades. Such Ferocious Beauty, their 20th studio album, is the Toronto band’s first release of new material in five years, following their 2022 covers project, Songs Of TheRecollection.

Siblings Margo (vocals), Pete (drums) and Michael (guitar) sadly lost their father to dementia recently, and much of this album explores the fall-out. The haunting ‘What I Lost’ is the most frighteningly direct reference: “Woke up this morning, didn’t know who I was”. However, as the album title suggests, the record does not wallow in despair. Rather, it embraces the beautiful shades and colours of life.

The rich record is full of subtle layers and sounds. On ‘Hard To Build, Easy To Break’, the interplay between Mike Timmins and bassist Alan Anton is simply magnificent. ‘Throw A Match’ boasts a soulful swagger, pierced by a superb Timmins guitar solo. Elsewhere, ‘Blue Skies’ is the perfect closer, with a gentle feel of acceptance, grace and finding peace in the now.

Over the years, Cowboy Junkies have have gone from indie band to major label act, and back again. However, they have never compromised their sound and desire to tell real stories. Such Ferocious Beauty is among their finest work to date.

9/10