New River Music

This Week’s New River Music

Song: South of Here

Artist: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats

The title track from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ fourth studio album, South Of Here, encapsulates the band’s signature fusion of soul, R&B, and emotionally stirring storytelling. Released on June 28, 2024, via Stax Records, “South of Here” reckons with a lifetime of pain and trauma, transforming it into a stirring, soul-baring rumination on love, loss, hope, and resolve. In an interview, Rateliff opened up about his struggles with childhood trauma and alcohol, revealing how these experiences shaped the emotional core of the album. “I struggled so hard and still do. I have a really busy mind,” he shared. These personal challenges deeply influenced the songwriting process, resulting in a track that resonates with striking authenticity and emotional depth. The lyrics are as raw as they are redemptive, showcasing Rateliff’s ability to turn personal suffering into collective cleansing. Musically, “South of Here” is rich with the band’s signature blend of vintage soul grooves, swelling horn sections, and gritty, heartfelt vocals. The track’s smoldering rhythm and heartfelt delivery elevate its themes of perseverance and inner reckoning, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and anthemic. To support the album, the band embarked on their first-ever U.S. arena tour, marking a major milestone in their career. The tour included a memorable stop in Boston this past March and continues to make its way through major cities across the country, bringing their electrifying live energy to longtime fans and new listeners alike. “South of Here” not only reinforces Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ place in the pantheon of modern soul revivalists—it also highlights their growth as storytellers and musicians unafraid to confront vulnerability head-on.

Song: Bonnet of Pins

Artist: Matt Berninger

“Bonnet of Pins” is the compelling lead single from Matt Berninger’s second album, Get Sunk, out May 30, 2025, via Book/Concord Records. “Bonnet of Pins” channels a classic ’80s rock vibe, enriched by Berninger’s unmistakable baritone and lyrical depth. While it leans into a more vintage sound, there’s still that signature melancholic elegance and emotional resonance. The track’s glistening guitar work and steady, propulsive rhythm enhance Berninger’s introspective lyricism, crafting a soundscape that feels both wistfully nostalgic and strikingly new.  Berginger notes the album follows “a long period of writer’s block and self-disgust” adding, “I just got sick of asking myself ‘Why am I like this?’” He adds of his music, “Our hearts are like old wells filled with pennies and worms. I can’t resist going down to the bottom of mine to see what else is there. But sometimes you can get yourself stuck.” Berninger also says the new project is “not necessarily an autobiographical album,” and a press release notes it was inspired by “the flora and fauna of his new home in Connecticut after years living in Los Angeles.” The album, Get Sunk is a collaborative effort with contributions from artists such as  Meg Duffy, Julia Laws, Kyle Resnick, and many more. The album was co-produced and co-written with Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Sean O’Brien, and recorded in a basement studio in Silverlake, California. To support the album, Berninger has announced a series of tour dates across North America and Europe. 

Song: After the Setting Sun

Artist: The Head and the Heart

“After the Setting Sun” marks the striking return for the Head and the Heart, serving as the lead single from their upcoming sixth studio album, Aperture, set for release on May 9, 2025. Known for their introspective lyricism, the Seattle-based band leans into emotional vulnerability and sonic maturity on this track. “After the Setting Sun” gently guides the listener through a meditation on grief, acceptance, and personal transformation. The song opens with a simple but touching acoustic backdrop that gradually expands into a layered, orchestral swell—bringing in gentle percussion, ambient guitar textures, and harmonies that feel both intimate and cinematic. It’s a soundscape that allows each emotional beat to fully breathe, offering a sense of space and reflection that has become a hallmark of the band’s evolving style. In discussing the song’s origins, band member Matty Gervais described it as “a reckoning with the aftermath of loss,” sharing that the writing process was deeply personal. “It’s about coming to terms with the absence of someone who grounded you—someone whose presence defined how you saw yourself in the world,” Gervais explained in an interview. “But it’s also about the surprising resilience that comes after and the realization that life continues to unfold in unexpected ways.” To support the launch of Aperture, The Head and the Heart are embarking on an extensive North American tour beginning May 31, 2025. The tour will bring the band to major cities like  Boston in June.