The first things you notice are the voice and the space. That voice belongs to Nathaniel Rateliff, a man who's earned the twang and hard-knock weariness that shines through on his debut. The space comes courtesy of producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse), who helped transform 8-track bedroom demos into miniature epics of contrast, beauty, and yearning.

In Memory of Loss is a stunning, heartbreaking sonic document from a singer-songwriter who's made his way from a childhood in Bay, Missouri to the national stage. This persistent troubadour has struggled and persevered through more than most, now the wider world is ready for him.