8/10

While Nathaniel Rateliff has already proved himself to be a swooning and introspective name on the acoustic circuit, this new release with backing group The Night Sweats seems to have allowed him to let out his more uplifting side. The collective's debut self-titled release is packed to the brim with the toe-tapping soul and positive leanings America's deep south have been producing for the last seventy years.

Old fashioned in its pretence, 'Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats' is one of those true US rock albums that not only takes pride in its national heritage but also aims to cut its own path into the culture as well. With obvious nods to the likes of classic country, soul and rock n roll, the album's focus is to create a simple yet engaging release. From the start, you can imagine this band playing in a dive bar with the crowd singing and swaying to every single song.

It certainly is nice to hear a record that pays homage to a sound rather than simply imitate it. Nathaniel Rateliff has managed to cherry-pick the best parts of his national sound and use it to create an album with so much heart and energy, it would be hard not to want to relive it again and again.