It’s been almost a decade since R&B-adjacent folk/Americana band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats released their phenomenal self-titled debut. In the years since, the band has put out two more LPs and Rateliff put out his own solo record, but as strong as many of those efforts were, they failed to really catch on like that debut, led by the powerful single “S.O.B.” But South Of Here, their latest, is probably their best and most musically diverse effort yet.
The lead single, “Heartless,” is an easy folk-heavy, mid-tempo track that feels deeply familiar even with the first listen, but it’s the album opener, “David And Goliath,” with its deep Harry Nilsson vibe, that shows the band is fully inspired. The album switches from mellow moments to upbeat sing-alongs flawlessly.
Produced by Brad Cook, who has worked on some great modern Indie albums by folks like Waxahatchee and Bon Iver, lyrically South Of Here contains some of Rateliff’s most personal moments ever committed to tape. “This album is a look into my own struggle with anxiety and insecurity and also stories of my life. (Brad) encouraged me to take responsibility for my own narrative in the songs and to write about what’s happening in my own life,” Rateliff says. “These recordings were done together in a room with my closest friends. I hope these songs and stories give you an opportunity to better understand your own struggles whatever they may be.” You can hear those themes of self-doubt and internal exploration in songs like “Heartless,” “Get Used To The Night” and the surprisingly breezy “I Would Like To Heal”.
The record closes on two of the faster numbers and two of the strongest moments on the record, “Call Me (Whatever You Like)” and “Time Makes Fools Of Us All.” It’s here, with the taught rhythm section and fiery horns that you’re reminded just how unique a band this is. With South Of Here and its moments of vulnerability, Rateliff and his band put out an impressive record for anyone who hadn’t been paying attention the last few years. They are clearly still just as potent as they were a decade ago.
