Retro rock collective Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats ‘show out’ on their latest album, ‘Tearing at the Seams.’ 

Following the success of single “S.O.B.”  from their 2015, self-titled debut album, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats return with Tearing at the Seams.  Throughout the course of Tearing at the Seams, the band fuses retro rock and retro soul, with a touch of folk.  All in all, the results are highly favorable.

“Shoe Boot”

Opener “Shoe Boot” is drenched in funk.  The horns are ripe, the organ spirited, and Nathaniel Rateliff is on autopilot.  Nearly five minutes in duration, the extended instrumental introduction is nothing short of a treat.  Following up “Shoe Boot” is a tall task, but “Be There” is another energetic and soul-laden number.  The sound clearly embodies the 60 or 70s as opposed to the 10s.  Nonetheless, the results are refreshing in an age where rock has cool considerably.

“A Little Honey” doesn’t miss a beat, arguably eclipsing “Be There.”  Rateliff is relatively relaxed with his delivery (contextually), yet still possesses fire and grit.  The groove and overall spirit continues to propel Tearing at the Seams forward.  It continues on “Say It Louder,” which switches the time from four to six. The chorus, albeit simple, serves as the centerpiece.  It’s memorable and highly effective.

“Hey Mama”

“Hey Mama” has a clearly defined identity from the jump – a blueprint for the fusion of folk, Americana, country-rock, and soul. The vibe is excellent, accentuated by the mix of guitars and organ.  Rateliff delivers assertive, gritty vocals, filled with personality. In regards to production, the use of horns is a selling point, particularly the saxophone, amplifying the soulfulness of the record.  Ultimately, it’s well-performed, and the arrangements and overall production are strong.

Lucius appears for the first time on “Babe I Know,” the most restrained number up until this point.  Nonetheless, Rateliff’s vocals still “cuts like a razor,” and who would have it any other way? “Intro” commences angrily with organ and the crescendo of suspended cymbal.  After the initiall burst, the feel-good groove kicks in, in all its glory.  The horns continue to be ripe, hearkening back to the olden days where soul was king as opposed to 2018.

“Coolin’ Out”

“Coolin’ Out,” once again featuring Lucius, begins superbly with a robust, soulful bass line, instantly piquing the listener’s interest, foot, and head motions. Following the initial statement by bass and a lead-in drum riff, bass exits, and it’s solely piano, dusty, soulful drums, and nuanced vocals by Rateliff.  After the first half of the first verse, horns join mix.  The result is a sound that hails straight out of the vintage soul bag of tricks.  Additionally, backing vocals, singing nonsensical syllables and words, add even more character. The chorus is the crowning achievement. An extended fade-out on sensationally closes the effort.  Most notably, Rateliff is a vocal beast.

“You Worry Me” 

Following a juggernaut isn’t easy, but Rateliff and company handle the pressure on “Baby I Lost My Way (But I’m Going Home).” That baritone saxophone is simply awe-inspiring.  “You Worry Me” initiates spiritedly with a piano ostinato that gradually crescendos. That piano ostinato is supplanted by a soulful, rock groove, characterized by a punchy bass ostinato in eighth notes, and the chordal guitar riffs. As Rateliff begins singing, he remains soulful, yet more poised and tame compared to his most electrifying performances.  The piano returns in all its glory on memorable chorus. Here, Rateliff is a bit more ‘turned up,’ though still maintains a relatively cool energy.  Although a bit predictable, “You Worry Me,” is well-rounded and among the better records from Tearing at the Seams.

“Still Out There Running” is the penultimate record on the standard edition, reining Tearing at the Seams in a bit. Even so, it’s no bore, maintaining consistency and the overall enjoyable status of the project.  “Tearing at the Seams,” the title track and lengthiest offering from the album, closes things out.  It’s good, but not the best of the effort and obviously, a bit long.  The most exciting moments come towards the end, as mad spirit is exhibited. Those who splurge get two additional songs: “I’ll Be Damned” and “Boiled Over.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats ‘bring the heat’ on Tearing at the Seams.  The production, specifically the arrangements and orchestrations, are superb.  The songwriting is solid as well, even if it feels somewhat secondary to the retro vibes.  Production and songwriting aside, Tearing at the Seams wouldn’t be possible without the gritty, soulful vocals of Nathaniel Rateliff.  He’s magnificent.

Gems: “Shoe Boot,” “A Little Honey,” “Say It Louder,” “Hey Mama,” “Coolin Out” & “You Worry Me” 

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats • Tearing at the Seams • Stax / Concord • Release: 3.9.18 

Photo Credit: Stax / Concord