Kalen Nash: Ukred

With his main band, Ponderosa, Kalen Nash was free to explore some more experimental textures. Now he’s devoid of all of that expanse and stripped back down to bare essentials. It may not have seemed like the logical next step but that’s the direction Nash has taken on his solo debut Ukred. Fortunately, it’s a good look for Nash and puts his songwriting talent on full display. While at times Ukred veers a little too uncomfortably close to Fleet Foxes territory, there’s just enough to differentiate the two acts. While Ukred is a predominantly acoustic release, Nash still finds ways to slip in small electro flourishes that help give Ukred an identity and they work well enough to suggest Nash may be on to something truly unique and engaging. While Ukred still seems like a transitional record, it’s beautiful enough to warrant repeat listens.