It's been ten years since the debut album from Nathaniel Rateliff. During Sunday's concert, he acknowledged the slow ascent of his career, which he noted halfway through the set, was better than a slow decline. Rateliff is the type of artist who doesn't have bad songs. It's all accessible and he pours his unique blend of rock/soul into each line. It's the lyrics, the killer backing band the Night Sweats, and his soulful delivery that set him apart. If you have seen him live, it's a powerful experience.
The opening band the Teskey Brothers from Australia, were a perfect fit musically, loosening up a crowd that was part music fans, and part casino high rollers. I'd love to see them headlining in a smaller space. My favorites were "So Caught Up" and the closer "Hold Me", which felt more like church than this casino arena probably ever has.
Highlights from Rateliffe's set included - "I Need Never Get Old", a goosebump-inducing "Face Down In the Moment' -> Get Used To The Night" -> "Slow Pace of Time" with horn trio up front, and the closer - a cover of Bruce's "Dancing in the Dark".
It was a line from "Remember I Was a Dancer", off the latest album, that stuck in my mind most on the drive home.
Sometimes I start to feel like I’m breaking through
A new breath, a way to see
Is it humanly possible or even true
I’m just up against a wall and I want to be free
Well, with untied hands well what could one be
After 10 years, his breakthrough single "S.O.B" still sounds as powerful as it did when it was released. It was the first encore. The spotlight shone on the lead singer, ready for his moment in it. The crowd, on its feet, ready to sing its part.
The band plays MSG as a headliner this week, for the first time.
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