SOUND BITES

Nathaniel Rateliff's first solo album since 2013 (and first since breaking into the mainstream consciousness with side band The Night Sweats, who have been given some time off here) is one that's directed by loss; in 2018, Rateliff lost both a partner (via divorce), and a friend (Night Sweats producer Richard Swift via untimely passing at the age of 41). It's a rough enough year to make anyone spend some time in the dumps, and I'd be spreading misinformation if I told you And It's Still Alright  wasn't more sullen and solemn than the majority of Rateliff's discography (especially his pair of albums with The Night Sweats). The smile and title on the cover suggest that the overarching theme is powering through the darkness to find the light, and that's more or less the idea here. Fans who came on board after S.O.B. smashed may recoil at just how sparse and quiet this album is, but it's a record that's sparse and quiet purposefully; before his...

History may try to sum up Nathaniel Rateliff as the guy who performed S.O.B. , the rollicking, boozy smash hit from 2015; of course, those of us who have dug deeper have discovered Rateliff is an accomplished singer/songwriter who shouldn't have a career distilled (pun intended) down to a somewhat silly novelty hit. Alongside backing band The Night Sweats, Rateliff has built much of his following on vibrant songs that are indebted to soul and old time rock n' roll, and his music evokes a spirit not often captured by modern artists. Tearing At the Seams , Rateliff's second album with The Night Sweats (and fifth album overall), has a livelier, smokier feel than we're used to. This album boasts thick grooves, impassioned vocal performances and sharp songwriting, all elements of Rateliff's past work to be sure but this time presented with a fuller sound and more colour. Put another way, it's more indicative of the band's live show, which has never been a bad...

Surprising turns from established heavy bands. New heights for critical darlings. Up and coming artists making strong first impressions. The back half of summer saw all of this and more, as even the dog days saw some worthwhile releases that begged our attention. The fourth collection of Song of the Year nominees are: