Artist: Israel Nash
Album: Lifted
Label: Desert Folklore Music
Release Date: 7.27.18
In times full of anger and despair, Israel Nash insists on hope. He’s got the golden falsetto of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon—not to mention the shaggy mountain-man looks and habit of making music in the wilderness—plus a nature-loving heart and a beautiful feel for timeless songcraft. With Lifted he throws rustic Americana into a picnic basket with classic rock and upbeat folk, making for a listen as warm and rosy as the brightest day of June.
“Rolling On” carries us on a leisurely gospel-tinged cruise from the start, but before we even hit the road, Nash eases in with a haze of chiming guitar among stray nature sounds from the Texas hills. The poly-textured production shapes the affair with countless little touches here and there; from background crickets to vast horn echoes and watery shimmering guitar effects, the immersive soundstage makes all these familiar tones seem just a bit fresh and invitingly strange. Brian Eno would be proud. And none of that would matter much if it wasn’t hung on solid material, but no worries on that score. These songs can stand on their beautiful simplicity whether they’re dressed up or unadorned.
Nash has a knack for unpretentious lyrics and breezy lines that evoke long highways and wide-open skies. There are Beach Boys harmonies and peaceful easy Eagles slide guitar, moments that borrow from Neil Young or Jerry Garcia, spun into a heartbreakingly lush mix all his own. It’s a boost for the ears and the soul, joyful and often quietly glorious.
—Geno Thackara
Be the first to comment!