After a twelve-year break, Mike Schikora returns with Outlaw From The South, an album that blends his cowboy roots with a unique, personal touch. Unlike polished Nashville productions, this album, produced by Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys, is textured, raw, and brimming with authenticity. The title track, “Outlaw From The South,” sets the tone with its gritty, unapologetic vibe, capturing Schikora’s blend of rugged independence and soulful reflection.
The album stands out for its sincerity. Songs like “It Ain’t Whiskey Til It Rains” and “Waitin’ Out A Storm” revisit classic country themes—whiskey, storms, and heartache—but Schikora brings a lived-in weight to his lyrics, as though he’s weathered these storms himself. His voice, now etched with a maturity that was missing in earlier work, gives tracks like “You’re My Angel” and “When Forever Smiles” a heartfelt depth.
One of the standout tracks, “Last Rose of Summer,” illustrates Schikora’s nuanced storytelling. With Bonagura’s guitar, Baillie’s harmonies, and Scott Sanders’ haunting steel guitar, it paints a vivid scene of both loss and resilience. It’s as though Schikora is looking over a field of fading roses, honoring life’s transience without lamenting it.
The album is also notable for how it integrates Schikora’s identity as an LGBTQ artist within a genre known for its conservative roots. Without making this a focal point, Schikora seamlessly blends the mythic cowboy persona with modern complexities, particularly on tracks like “Something From Me To You,” which reflects his introspective side, and “These Are The Good Old Days,” where rustic joys take center stage. His lyrics balance the mythical outlaw image with personal insights, creating a blend that feels both fresh and grounded in tradition.
However, Outlaw From The South has moments that can feel almost too laid-back. Some listeners may find the pacing and stripped-down production a bit slow or unvaried, which, while evoking a relaxed feel, can occasionally lack momentum. This might be seen as a minor drawback for those who prefer more dynamic arrangements in their country music.
Supported by a strong lineup of Nashville musicians, including Steve Mackey on bass and Greg Morrow on drums, the instrumentation never overshadows Schikora’s vocals. His voice remains the heart of each track, drawing listeners in with its rough edges and moments of vulnerability. Songs like “It’s The Little Things” emphasize the importance of life’s quiet details over grand gestures, a theme that echoes through the album.
Ultimately, Outlaw From The South is both a return and a reinvention for Schikora. It speaks to a man who’s found contentment living on his own terms, combining cowboy resilience with thoughtful storytelling. In a genre often filled with predictable themes, Schikora’s blend of tradition and introspection makes him a standout, proving that authentic country music isn’t about rebellion but about staying true to oneself.
Gwen Waggoner
