Singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff spends his time straddled between musical ley lines. When he performs with Night Sweats, his sound gears more toward fiery, horn-driven soul music. Under his own name, however, the Colorado native reflects inward, cultivating a brand of rich and contemplative folk. Before Night Sweats drop its latest LP this spring, Rateliff goes solo with the release of the Closer EP on January 27th via Mod y Vi Records.

Stripped down and unabashedly bare-bones, the six-track effort is a showcase of Rateliff’s poignant lyrics and multi-faceted vocals. “Liverpool” finds him at his most laidback and unassuming, crooning about a modern love affair like some self-aware Sinatra. “Laughter” does away with the lyrical focus and instead emphasizes layers of rich, emotionally resonant harmonies. No matter what topic he’s exploring, or the inherent emotional scope, Rateliff is a master at gently reeling listeners in by the heartstrings. Listen in below.



Pre-orders for the EP are ongoing.

For the Night Sweats LP, Rateliff is recording alongside producer Richard Swift (The Black Keys, The Shins, Foxygen). Stay tuned for more.