While there is a slew of new bands that are currently leaning into the 80s synth-pop revival, Texas-based musician Israel Nash has turned to some of the great heartland and roots rockers of that era – everyone from Springsteen to Seger – for inspiration on his latest LP. Ozarker has a timelessness to it, blending these classic influences with his now trademark Americana/folk laced with elements of psychedelic.
Like most of his songwriting before now, the album is filled with fictional characters, everyday men and women doing their best just to survive day to day. But he also introduces many of the stories of his own family and upbringing from his native Missouri into these fictional accounts. He turned to Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne) to produce this one.
The album starts off with “Can’t Stop” which serves as a great prelude with the classic rock guitars, not too overpowering, and Nash’s highly emotive vocals. Even the guitar solo on this one, though certainly muscular, doesn’t come off as too showy, rather serving to move the song forward. You can hear echoes of Tom Petty’s first solo album on a song like “Roman Candle” and the Springsteen shadow falls over the fantastic title track – sounding like an outtake from Bruce’s Tunnel of Love. But far from coming off like just another touring tribute act, Nash’s writing is deft enough and his voice unique enough to take these influences and still manage to make them his own. Ozarker drags a little bit toward the end with “Firedance” a decent enough track but one that drones on after a while.
While his last record Topaz flirted with some of his more prog-aligned influences, Ozarker finds Nash tapping into an entirely different genre for inspiration and the result makes for one of his best albums so far. From the big guitars to the anthem-like choruses, Nash’s latest manages to update a sound that resonates both comfortably and refreshing at the same time.
