Israel Nash

He’s never really been away from the stage, just kept a low profile for a while. Regardless, Israel Nash is back in full force! He and his band are coming to Sweden with not one, but four new albums in the works—"Moods," "Ozarker," "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," and "Colorwheels." Leading the charge is "Ozarker," a return to the melodic heartland rock that won us over with the classic "Barn Doors and Concrete Floors." Speaking of "Barndoors," Israel has announced that this summer’s focus will be on tracks from that album, the one that sparked his love affair with the Swedish audience!

Israel Nash’s latest album, "Topaz," was released in the spring of 2021 to universal acclaim. Its predecessor, "Lifted," came out in 2018. Rolling Stone hailed him as "a master of sonic textures," while Mojo declared Israel "a folk rock visionary."

Born and raised in Missouri before moving to New York, Israel Nash Gripka released his breakthrough album "Barn Doors and Concrete Floors" in 2011. The album, a tribute to inspirations like Neil Young and the Rolling Stones, received rave reviews. Just over a year later, he and his family moved from New York to a ranch outside Austin, deep in Texas Hill Country. Though the big city isn’t far, it’s a desolate landscape with rolling hills and an endless sky. It’s beautiful and grand, but also harsh and sometimes threatening. Drought, tumbleweed, spiky cacti, and rattlesnakes are not uncommon.

This change of scenery clearly influenced his music. On his next two albums, "Israel Nash's Rain Plans" and "Silver Season," he found his own sound and a new way of writing songs—warm and inviting, yet tinged with a constant undercurrent of melancholy. Occasionally, raw guitar rock takes over, reminding us of the dangers and threats of the world.

All the pieces of Israel’s musical vision fell into place with "Rain Plans," were refined on "Silver Season," and reached perfection on "Lifted" and "Topaz." Or so one might think. But Israel is not an artist who rests on his laurels. He continually surpasses himself, both on record and live. So whatever you do, don’t miss Israel Nash!