Make way for Alabama Shakes, with their harem of famous fans
including Adele and Bon Iver and Russell Crowe. This album is pure neo soul with
classicist influences. There are moments of Jack White, Al Green and Tina
Turner. This album is a spectacle, and in my books –an instant classic.
They met at high school and have been a successful covers
band for a few years – covering the likes of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC
to name but a few. So in essence, they have spent time imitating the greats, doing
their homework and drawing inspiration from an array of iconic sounds. The studying has paid
off, and this is only their debut album.
Every once in a while you hear a song and think you've heard
before somewhere. Why is that? This rings true for ‘Hold On’, the album opener that
is also their debut single. This has received loads of airplay and huge support
from DJ’s.
Brittany Howard is lead vocalist –her androgynous voice is
iconic in itself, similar to the strength of Amy Winehouse with the character
of Jack White. ‘I Found Out’ is magnificent, and ‘Rise to the Sun’ is my
favourite, sounds a little like Macy Gray, the spangled guitars twinned with
her voice are a winner.
‘You Ain’t Alone’ is a ballad, it’s so delicate and
emotional, “Are you scared to wear your heart on your sleeve, are you scared of
me?” ‘Hearbreaker’ sounds enormous; it reminds me of Al Green’s ‘How Can You
Mend a Broken Heart’. ‘Be Mine’ is silky and smooth.
The album has the feeling of being at an intimate gig in a
bar, sounding so raw and crisp. Her voice is spectacular; I do doubt without
the unstoppable Brittany Howard, they would still be playing cover band slots.
I foresee that this album will appeal to a wide range of demographics, and no
doubt be the soundtrack to many a summer barbeque this year.
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