Soul Man - Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats tear up the Ready Room in St. Louis

Riding a tidal wave of good press from appearances on late night television, and steady play of "S.O.B" on alt-rock radio, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats brought their infectious brand of soul-infused, foot-stomping rock to the Ready Room in the Grove district of St. Louis. 

No worse for wear however, as the band was tight and energetic, whipping a sold-out crowd into a frenzy from the first note of set opener, "I Need Never Get Old," the intro of which really allows the dynamic horn section of Wesley Watkins on trumpet and saxophonist Andy Wild to let loose. 

Keeping the groove going and the energy up, the band ripped through the songs on their eponymous album before mixing it up with a cover of Neil Young's "Out on the Weekend." Allowing the crowd to catch its collective breath, Rateliff guided his band through "Mellow Out", "Shake", and "Thank You", allowing each to take a turn showcasing their chops.

As expected they saved their big hit, "S.O.B," for the end encouraging the willing crowd to clap and sing along with the whoa whoa whoas. Not ready for the night to end, the crowd continued to serenade the band with whoa whoa whoas wooing them back to the stage after a brief exit for an encore. After profusely thanking the crowd, including many family members in attendance, and lamenting the loss of Missourians passed, Rateliff closed the show with a cover of "The Shape I'm In" by The Band.

There's nothing better than watching a band that truly enjoys playing together and having fun. It goes without saying that this comes across in the performance. I've seen this band

three times now and they get better each time out. I look forward to more from the Nathaniel Rateliff & Night Sweats in the future. 

Ray Bonneville-"Bad Man's Blood"

Saw this talented troubadour last night at a very intimate space called the Focal Point in Maplewood. This tune could easily be the opening theme for the next True Detective, assuming there is one after last season's debacle.

Tame Impala wows Pageant crowd

June, 1st - The Pageant, St. Louis, Mo

In anticipation of their third proper studio full-length, "Currents" (out July 17th in the U.S.), Australian psychedelic-rock outfit Tame Impala made their intentions clear at the outset with a trippy instrumental weaving synth, drums and guitar with a pulsating light show hellbent on mesmerizing the near-capacity crowd.

That's precisely what the five-piece band from Perth accomplished. Straight into "Let It Happen" off the aforementioned upcoming "Currents," frontman and brainchild (or mad scientist) Kevin Parker led the audience across an ninety-plus minute dreamy landscape replete with swirling guitars and rafters-shaking bass to complement his lilting falsetto.

The band wears its Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd and Revolver-era Beatles influences proudly on its tie-dyed sleeves. Dancing around barefoot, Parker feverishly worked his many foot pedals to create his wall of sound, confidently stopping and starting and cueing his bandmates like the foreman of giant roaring machine.

The crowd pumped their fists and sang along as the set borrowed heavily from their popular 2012 release, "Lonerism," with tracks "Why Won't They Talk To Me," and the foot stomping "Elephant," the high point of the show for me.

After seeing Tame Impala several times in both intimate rooms and at an outdoor festival in front of 50,000 people, I can say this band is getting better and tighter each time out. They're still booking the 1,200 seat venues but as word of their tremendous live shows gets out, that will become a distant, dreamy memory.