posted by Jessica on January 9, 2012
In 2011, the best actually was saved for last. I couldn’t tell you how many shows I saw last year, because despite experiencing epic aural moments and multiple all-weekend festivals, all was forgotten in the wake of Alabama Shakes. This time last year the Athens, AL quartet was working day jobs, and by this time next year they’ll be sitting on top of the world, propelled by their exuberant blend of blues, soul, and rock and roll.
Alabama Shakes’ live show is a significant experience. Vigorous, soulful grooving based in Southern rock, their skillful performance is passionate, even yearning. You feel as though they’re leaving nothing behind, and the eruption of front woman Brittany Howard’s earnest and powerful vocals awaken a contemporary Janis Joplin or Otis Redding. The show kicked off with “Hold On,” and included “You Ain’t Alone,” both off of this year’s self-titled EP.
After their show at Chicago’s Hideout (see video below), I expressed my awestruck admiration to Ms. Howard and drummer, Steve Johnson. They reported that Alabama Shakes’ first full-length album is recorded and slated for release this spring, and that the band is excited to showcase a more rock-fueled edge to their sound. Conversation turned to touring, and I discovered that Johnson’s sister attended my alma mater some 10 miles from where he grew up. Familiarity is the thing about Alabama Shakes. There’s no artifice, slickness, or attempt at reinvention, but a genuineness and devotion to a resonant musical heritage we can all get down to.
Alabama Shakes – Hold On (Downloaded 407 times)
Alabama Shakes – You Aint Alone (Downloaded 254 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Big Sound • Rollicking
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January 10th, 2012 at 1:54 am
[...] Read the rest of my review and get MP3s at Indieball.com. [...]
January 10th, 2012 at 10:01 am
Great post. Couldn’t agree more. Looking forward to the full release in the spring. And the chance to experience them live once again
January 13th, 2012 at 1:17 am
wow, i just was in nashville so do appreciate the southern vibe and rawness of this band. And the front woman kicks mega derrier too! Really brings back the classics.