Ozarker

Description

Hailed as a master of sonic textures by Rolling Stone and folk-rock visionary by Uncut, Israel Nash first rose to fame in Europe, where he built a loyal following with a series of critically acclaimed albums that landed him a deal with the renowned Loose Music label. As American audiences began to catch on, the Missouri native relocated to Dripping Springs, Texas, where he built his own recording studio on a ranch and embraced a more spacious, psychedelic sound that landed somewhere between Neil Young and Pink Floyd. Produced by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne), Nashs newest record, the rousing Ozarker, finds him returning to his Midwestern roots, embracing the heartland rock he grew up on with larger-than-life guitars, anthemic melodies, and rich character studies.

**Ozarker** is an ode to the wild and untamed spirit of Americas heartland through the eyes and hearts of Nashs great grandparents and their young, forbidden love in rural Missouri. With big guitars and thundering drums, Israel Nash takes us on a journey through the Ozark hills and a story of young love that sparked generations to come. Its a celebration of the stories and family traditions that shape us today and connect us to the past through the rugged individualism and unyielding spirit that defines this corner of American heartland country. **Roman Candle** is a soaring and explosive heartland rock n roll fireworks show. The flames, the heat and pressure, the wait and the doubts of others are sometimes just what we need to break through and burn brightly, explosively, full of color and bringing light to the dark skies above. **Cant Stop** is a sing along, anthemic rocker that shakes with a message of resilience, determination and a refusal to back down in the face of challenge. As Nash sings, I need to get away, leave these troubles behind. Ill take the very first, empty road I find. This is a driving song meant for open highways, free spirits, and fist pumpers who celebrate the unbreakable spirit that lies within.

The expansive nature of the production allows the listener to get lost in the sound while Nash takes one on a conceptual trip inside his mind. Its a journey worth taking. PopMatters

On Topaz, Nash succeeds in channeling the intensity of his muse with the tumult of the times. Its nine songs are tight and well-composed, lyrically rooted in both introspection and the current sociopolitical moment and sonically falling at the midpoint between Crazy Horse and Muscle Shoals soul. UNCUT

The way Texas songwriter Israel Nash blends his big aching voice with electric guitar and stark harmonica in this live performance will haunt your dreams. Down in the Country, a track off Nashs upcoming album Topaz, takes you inside the insular but sometimes harmful bubble of an isolated existence. We keep to ourselves down on Farm Road 76, he sings before going on to indict the Yankee man who hoodwinked his neighbors. Now, Nash reminds them, everyone has to pay. Rolling Stone Country

Topaz brings new dimensions and subtleties to his music Start to finish, Topaz conveys a strong undercurrent of social commentary, from the all-too topical and self explanatory Dividing Lines to the final track Pressure which pops with a growling futility and injustice similar to [Neil] Youngs Powderfinger with added Tex-Mex swagger. Mojo