There was palpable tension with wife Amanda Shires running through the 2023 Jason Isbell documentary Running With Our Eyes Closed. It was still sad news to hear that the couple had broken up and Isbell was pursuing a new romance with painter Anna Weyant. The breakdown of one relationship and start of another runs through Isbell’s new acoustic album, Foxes in the Snow.
Once again working with engineer/producer Gena Johnson, the only sound on the album comes from Isbell. Gut wrenching songs include “Eileen” where he sings that “Eileen, you should’ve seen this coming sooner” and later, “My own behaviour was a shock to me”. “Gravelweed” touches on how love songs take on different meanings in ending relationships on a track that also alludes to a life of past drinking problems. “True Believer” is another one of these songs with lyrics so personal, it’s tough to listen to the chorus.
With a new love in his life, there are moments of lightness as well. “Ride to Robert’s” is a fun night out at the saloon with talk of a new love while “Open and Close” is directly about the Calgary born Weyant. Great moments appear everywhere including opening track “Bury Me” with it’s great chorus but the dark times are never too far away as Isbell later sings, “the thing that nearly took me out was loneliness and alcohol”.
There is nothing flashy on Foxes in the Snow, just extraordinary songwriting, great singing and some terrific guitar singing. The fact that Isbell can keep the listeners attention all the way through the album is a testament to his immense talent.
8/10
The Light Appears 