It's been a hell of a story for the former Denver missionary. After glimpsing a little cult success, and quite a bit of 'the next big thing' hype with his stripped back folk americana, as can be heard on the In Memory of Loss and Falling Faster Than You Can Run albums, Rateliff, probably rightly so, decided it wasn't really going anywhere fast enough, and quickly moved to have a go at what he describes as his first love; rollicking soul, r'n'b and Motown tunes, with a big band in tow, and the opportunity to let his feet get a-movin' on the stage. From emotive singer-songwriter, to big band leader, he's hit the veritable jackpot, and enjoying some very well earned success, both critically (again) and commercially (first time).

It was only last October that his small-scale debut UK tour with The Night Sweats sold out almost immediately, catching promoters and punters on the hop. Another, mid-scale tour was hastily organised, and lo and behold that sold out almost immediately. Later this year, he will be back, this time playing much larger venues, including the 5000 capacity Brixton Academy. As I said, it's a hell of ride, and one that has many eagerly jumping on.

It must be remembered however, that Rateliff's current bag of songs is not deep. Certainly, the show featured almost all of the one and only Night Sweats album plus a small number of newer and lesser known tunes. But it's enough tonight, most of the packed house eager to hear these tracks for the first time in the flesh, starting with the brilliantly uplifting stomp of the brass-infused 'I Need Never Get Old'. Rateliff interjects between songs to proclaim that “we have the whole night left to lose”, and from here on in he pretty much has the audience in his lap as he ploughs through the likes of the slow grooving stayed-up-too-late drinking song 'Howling At Nothing', the big soul of 'Trying So Hard Not To Know', and 'I've Been Failing', whilst never being shy of performing the slower, more pensive songs from the album such as 'Wasting Time', 'I Just Want To Thank You' and the aptly named 'Mellow Out'.

Sandwiched within the set is perhaps the only time the band really stretch out, for the hypnotising swamp-blues grooves of 'Shake', an opportunity for Rateliff to show what an expressive and downright great guitarist he is. And this is followed by their signature tune, the happy-clappy sing-a-long stomp of 'S.O.B'. With an encore that finishes with a cover of Sam Cooke's 'Having A Party', the party is indeed in full swing, even as the curtain comes down.

The secret? Just the usual mixture of great tunes, a spirited live show, and bags of personality. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But in the hands of Rateliff and co, it's unpretentious, undeniably good-time stuff, aided immeasurably by the fact that the lyrics are meaningful, and often downright moody and downbeat. But, it's heartfelt, and life-affirming stuff. Just what the Doctor should be ordering.
Jeff Hemmings

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