In the most energetic set at Green Man two weeks ago, Billy McCarthy of Augustines urged us to forget depressing global news. Israel Nash, by contrast engages with current affairs directly, singing of the tragedy of America's gun culture. Yet, they have both sought to ameliorate the pain of life through music. Rain Plans, released a year ago in Europe, was inspired by Israel's move from New York to Dripping Springs, a small town near Austin, Texas. He has found peace through closeness to nature, and seeks to disseminate this tranquilly to others. In an interview, he explained: 'this album is about love, clarity, direction, vision, relationships and the evolving power of change'. Part of his progressive vision is to seek to make the world a more tolerant, peaceful place through sharing his talents.
Rain Plans, played in full last night, is warm and relaxed, with a sense of the sweep of wide open spaces in the US. It's heavily influenced by Neil Young, and Crosby, Stills and Nash: inspired by early 70's Americana with elements of psychedelia. Yet, it doesn't feel derivative, having a soulful, spiritual quality and a wonderful feeling for melody. Live, Israel delivers his vocals with immense commitment, whereas on the album they can sound recessed in a dense, opaque mix. He is a striking figure, moving around the stage during instrumental sections, waving his long mane of hair, which mirrored the majestic lion on the album art backcloth.
Israel was highly appreciative of the audience's support, explaining passionately that music helps to foster mutual understanding, and make the world smaller. This may have been his first visit to Manchester, but he's previously revealed that he was originally inspired to make music by The Beatles, who were of course from Liverpool just 30 miles down the road. Last night's experience was intimate, the heat and in one of Manchester's smallest but packed venues prompting Israel to remark that it felt we were as one together. Clearly at ease in front of an audience, he put some of his songs in context, and happily revealed that he's writing new ones about his experiences in Texas Hill Country.
The sense of intimacy was heightened by Israel playing with just two of his colleagues: Eric Swanson on pedal steel and Josh Fleischmann on drums. It was a joy to watch the trio interacting: this is music which hinges on subtle interactions. Yet, Rain Plans is notable for its rich harmonies: the sound, enhanced by analogue equipment, is pivotal to its appeal. I missed the fullness of a bass guitar, and the complexity of a five piece band. Israel's enthusiasm meant that he broke a string on his acoustic guitar in the final number from Rain Plans. He therefore went electric for the two encores from his second album Barn Doors and Concrete Floors, and his first LP New York Town. Here, the absent band members felt of less consequence, and the audience, who had listened raptly all evening, were enlivened.
I'm currently in dire need of one of the rain plans Israel alludes to, finding myself drowning in a biblical torrent. Even these gorgeous, soothing tunes were unable to completely transport me away from the troubled present to the tranquillity of Dripping Springs last night. Yet, I'd urge any lover of Americana to investigate their tour dates, and I'm looking forward to Israel's second visit to Manchester, hopefully with a full band. Meanwhile, do listen to Rain Plans, some of which can be streamed on Soundcloud.
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