Israel Nash Gripka drops the latter part of his name on stage. Perhaps the name Israel Nash lends a more mysterious air or maybe it’s just a little more in keeping with the imposing frame of the bearded American who’s stage presence alone requires no gimmicks, no fuss and no bullshit.
His latest record ‘Rain Plans’ was cut in the deep south of Texas and with mentions of rolling rivers and hurt and heartache, sounds for all the world like a long lost Neil Young album. On Facebook, someone has defined his genre as “desert folklore” and despite the red skinny jeans, that’s just what you get with this band of musicians. Modern day tales with an old time feel, honestly spun out and taken home by a band who look like an early Kings of Leon and play like Crosby, Stills and Nash. There’s no incessant chatter or whimsical storytelling here; just straight up, good ole-fashioned tunes and when the lead guitarist and lap steel player hit the sweet spot of a solo together, oh boy…
Video and photos by Gerry McNally
There are plenty of new tracks showcased tonight. ‘Just Like Water’ is a surefire single from the latest record and an early contender for song of the night but it’s a tough call. The band are on fire and Nash’s gruff yet heartfelt delivery lend a real air of gravitas. You can’t help but feel this is an artist and indeed a live band destined for greater things along the way. ‘Fool’s Gold’ is their biggest hit to date and rounds off a flawless set.
There’s nothing wrong with bearing your influences for all to see when you’re so clearly inspired by the likes of Tom Petty and Neil Young but with such great musicianship, talent and seemingly effortless storytelling ability it’s the originality of Nash’s own unique Americana that lingers on after the set closes on ‘Baltimore’.