Alabama Shakes – Boys and Girls

The American south seems to imbue an indelible sense of itself upon the music made by its natives, that curious blend of country, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and blues seemingly so unique to the Sun Belt. Bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, and the Marshall Tucker Band all displayed these influences, sharing a sheer joy in performing.

Athens, Alabama natives Alabama Shakes firmly follow this lineage, revelling in all the traits of classic Southern rock that are so far out of vogue, that Boys and Girls sounds positively revolutionary. Vocalist Brittany Howard has a multi-tool of a voice, finding the right delivery for every situation: guttural, primal screams for the roaring work-outs of I Found You; punctuated jabs for the rhythmic build-up of Hang Loose; soulful and yearning for the pleading You Ain’t Alone. And as a band, they are as tight as they come, ebullient, and full of fervour. With Boys and Girls, Alabama Shakes prove looking backward doesn’t have to be counter-revolutionary.