Nathaniel Rateliff first made a name for himself with the solo record, Memory of Loss. Five years on, he’s traded in the acoustic guitar and restrained melancholy for a down and dirty seven-piece band. The resulting EP is a rollicking good time where the whiskey flows and the band is hot.
Designed as an introduction to the group in the lead up to their debut album, EP is a raw collection of songs that infuses soul with southern twang. The unvarnished feel gives a good indication of the group’s live energy. However, while Rateliff has moved away from his singer/songwriter roots, the introspective lyrical content remains. Pairing this with a full band creates a bittersweet contrast. This is particularly true of S.O.B – an ode to alcoholism set to an infectiously groovy swing beat.
Elsewhere, thunderous mariachi brass adds depth to what could otherwise be a typical slow jam, and Rateliff’s guitar work is as frenetic as it’s ever been. Throughout, his vocals take centre stage, and deservedly so, because he’s truly an invigorating and powerful singer.
Indebted to the classic sounds of Otis Redding and southern-soul, EP updates the format by heaping on a generous amount of foot stomping hooks. But as they lead up to their debut album, some more diversity would be appreciated. Musically, this EP is a snapshot of the party as opposed to the comedown. However, if Rateliff’s impressively world-weary voice is anything to go by, he has ample experience in both.
BY JAMES DI FABRIZIO
