It’s a song that has a sense of levity and upbeat tempo that serves as a carrier for a somber message: “Ain't it a drag babe, you feeling so sad… I left feeling alone, but you can't undo it baby.” The song eloquently yet casually brings to light the feeling of helplessness when the problems of a relationship hit critical mass and fall beyond repair. Starting the album with the song, “What a Drag” was a savvy way to foreshadow the theme that would remain present as a through-line for the remainder of the record. By all accounts, And It’s Still Alright began as a way for Rateliff to process the ending of his relationship though, Richard Swift’s death from complications to alcohol addiction would add a new layer to work through. All the while, Rateliff could feel his 11 year relationship with his wife unwinding.

Producer Richard Swift, who often referred to Nathaniel as his “lost brother,” long awaited further collaboration on a new album with Rateliff, as he had on Tearing At The Seams. While it was clear that a solo album was in the cards for some time now, the emotional makeup of Nathaniel Rateliff’s latest release has certainly changed from its initial conception. Keeping this momentum, the band rolled into their second album, Tearing At The Seams which saw similar results as their first in terms of critical and commercial feedback. The performance formally introduced them to your mom and dad, and just enough of the mainstream to leave financial troubles behind. A personal favorite of Jimmy Fallon, The Night Sweats were brought onto The Tonight Show to perform “S.O.B.” off of their self-titled first album. The humble hopes of providing beds over floor mats and paying his bandmates had been left as a worry of the past more ambitious goals were in clear view.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats were formed and reached a level of commercial success that eclipsed the work of his former bands, The Wheel and Born in the Flood.

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