8/10

Ever since The Night Sweats first formed with their self-titled debut album in 2015, Nathaniel Rateliff has quickly found himself as one of the most iconic new additions to the growing blues and Americana movement of the last few years. While finding moderate success with his previous endeavours and solo ventures these last two decades, The Night Sweats have consistently remained the hallmark for bold and progressive ideas within this genre. And so after a few years for Rateliff to return to his solo guise for a bit, they are back with their third full-length 'The Future', a record that calls back to the energy of their formative sound.

While the self-titled debut was an instant smash hit, regularly creeping up any international chart in which it entered, their follow-up 'Tearing At The Seam' wasn't as immediately attractive as its predecessor, taking its time to break through in most areas. So for 'The Future', it makes sense for them to want to follow the broad and euphoric direction of their first effort. From the start, this new collection aims to develop a chameleonic approach to their formative sound, branching out into new and interesting ideas that always look to focus on the rich and absorbing tones they have always pursued.

While this release offers up a more tranquil and sweeping intention than we usually experience, there is this proficient and raw passion running the length of 'The Future'. Something that allows Rateliff to find comfort within himself as the frontman, and deliver another strong batch of impressive croons throughout.