Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats: Something Old Something New

Rateliff, who looks like a cross between a barista and a backwoods preacher, has greeted his success with a mix of excitement and trepidation." ... "It's a lot easier if the crowd is on its feet and clapping and putting their phones away. Rolling Stone

Missouri born and self-taught musician Nathaniel Rateliff and his hard hitting band, The Nightsweats are the "it band" and for good reason. Their sound is a mix of rock nostalgia with whiffs of The Band, Otis Redding, Van Morrison,  and even the Big Bopper with a nice blend of The Wall of Sound. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats are refreshing in our world of TV talent shows. While Rateliff had several songs prior to the Nightsweats breakout album, it was his musical inspirations that seem to knock him on the head and say "hey, we can do this!"

The thirteen song, thirty-eight minute album is full of songs you think you've heard before. They're familiar but new at the same time. Their hit song, SOB woke everyone up. A song about giving up and then giving into the drink is driving and almost a church revival. Howling at Nothing is a good swing song with soul. And Thank You, well just says it all. The songs are simple but so full of harmony, thought, and musical history. 

Live, you cannot go wrong with seeing Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats live. Nathaniel got his wish. At The Bowery Ballroom on November 4th, every single person in the crowd was singing, dancing, and stomping. Their performance is powerful but not overpowering. Each band member exudes their own gifted talent that blends into one musical gift. 

We can only hope that we get more from Nathaniel and the Nightsweats. We need to be refreshed and reminded why we love music so much.

Nathaniel Ratefliff and the Nightsweats:  Joseph Pope III, Mark Shusterman, Patrick Meese, Luke Mossman, Wesley Watkins, and Andy Wild

PMCarlson 2015