At first glance, it would be practically impossible to tell what kind of music lies within the packaging of this album. With a name like Outlaw Nation, which is emblazoned on the back cover in a steel metallic font over the solemn gaze of the African-American band, you would sense that this is hip-hop or R&B music. But there is a painting of a Native American girl on the cover, and this confuses things further. Knowing these guys had previously been a part of the reggae band N-Thyme and the Shreveport rock band RocketPop, I was very confused as to this band’s identity before listening to the album.

A listen reveals a sound that doesn’t really fit into any of the clues which the album art gives. The songs are essentially countryish pop-rock: catchy, well-written, smoothly produced tracks which stick in your head after first listen. Guitarist Christian Simeon’s songwriting is great throughout, and though his lyrics and melodies are anthemic and catchy, the vocals fall a bit flat, sounding forced and straining at times.

Though the music has the basic sound of Texas outlaw music, it comes off as something indefinable. Simeon’s rock guitar and Robert Crutchfield’s funky R&B drumming, when combined with the warmth of an acoustic guitar and pedal steel, results in a type of country/R&B hybrid, present in the tracks “Coyote Blue Moon” and “Cowboy Rides.” Regardless of how impossible to define their music is, Outlaw Nation has made a album of catchy tunes. There is one puzzling enigma left, though. Just what is the deal with the Indian girl?