Jessie James And The Outlaws

Jesse James and The Outlaws release debut album The Price of Gum

Jessie Moss and James Coyle commandeer a culturally motivated family history and a myriad of talented Wellington musicians as Jessie James and the Outlaws to write, record and prepare to release debut album The Price of Gum.


Jessie’s grandmother was described as a feminist and social activist, her uncle is Green Party MP Keith Locke and her mother is a trained classical musician. Moss has combined such inspirational lineage with members of internationally renowned local acts Fly My Pretties, Spartacus R and The Dunstan Rangers to create a melancholic ode that references an history of dust-filled, heart-wrenching country, whilst simultaneously conjuring an air of unwavering optimism on The Price of Gum.

The percussive, off-kilter drumming and horn accompaniment on single ‘Angila’ suggests the eerie quiet of a tumbleweed-scattered Southern landscape, or some forlorn folk singer stranded on an isolated ranch, while Moss’s vocals conjure Grace Slick’s 1970’s folk desperation. Lee Prebble’s exceptional production skills allow a subtle melody to worm around said forlorn arrangements, and as horns burst into the chorus one is left with anticipation for what awaits on this forthcoming release.

Which, if endorsements by leading New Zealand music journalist Martyn Pepperell and Little Bushman, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Trinity Roots member Warren Maxwell are anything to go by, is very exciting indeed. Pepperell suggested The Price of Gum was an “accomplished, emotive work, characterised by detailed lyrical storytelling, and refreshingly icy arrangements” while Maxwell argued the album deserved “much exposure and support”.

To date, The Price of Gum has been a collaborative project by passionate individuals contributing to a common goal, and with the album speaking to this and so much more, one can’t help but want to get behind Moss’ musical cause.