Live Review | Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats | Glasgow

Watching Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats is comparable to attending a carefully constructed church sermon.

The energy in the room is palpable as the band take to the stage and The Night Sweats do well to warm up the crowd, really showing off how tight a band they are – a true gang.

As Rateliff appears, his congregation greet him with a sense of fervor. A Barra’s crowd is never a let down, it’s an iconic venue with plenty of heart. It’s now time for the sermon to start launching into ‘I’ve Been Failing You’  which despite the subject matter is remarkably joyous.

The layers of sound this band create on stage enriches the performance, taking the recorded material to another level. They inject brass, piano, percussion including a tambourine or two to generate a lush soulful sound which is brought together by the effervescent spirit of Rateliff.

After renditions of ‘I Need Never Get Old’  and ‘Howling at Nothing’ Rateliff reminisces about days gone by playing Captain’s Rest and now look at him! As he plays his new song ‘I Did It’ taken from his latest EP, it’s evident that this is a band who won’t fade into the ether. This funky offering has plucky guitars, infectious rhythm and plenty of soul.

As Rateliff and his Night Sweats play through ‘Thank You’ and ‘Wasting Time’ the band leave to let him sing solo. Silence fills the room as Rateliff pays tribute to personal hero Leonard Cohen with an affecting version of Chelsea Hotel #2.

The gig draws to an end with ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ and ‘Shake’ where we all learn the 4 step hip dance – just in case a slow dance was all a bit too awkward for a Friday night crowd in Glasgow!

Rateliff leaves the big ‘SOB’ till last – cue pints flying and lots of foot stomping – a cathartic conclusion to the gig. The love for the man and his loyal band is clear to see, he’s a genuine character who performs with an endearing warmth and plenty of zeal.

Let us all convert to the church of Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats!




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