Album Review: Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

Swarming menacingly around the always-competitive indie scene hive, US quartet Alabama Shakes are the exciting new bees on the block. Over the last 12 months they've sold out European and US tours, largely due to the unique Joplin-like throat of Brittany Howard (an obvious comparison she is sick of hearing, no doubt). Her reverb-drenched, honey and bourbon-fuelled vocals drip raw emotion. It's ultra refreshing to hear such an honest and talented songstress in a world where sonic excrement pollutes many an eardrum on a daily basis.

Possessing a 1970s soul and rock feel, Hold On and Rise To The Sun are standout tracks displaying the band's undeniable tightness. Aside from reverb and percussive overdrive, minimal effects are used on their debut longplayer, ensuring Howard's passionate vocals stand out. And she has got some impressive guitar chops too, proving she's not just a pretty voice. Channelling some Jack White on the stirring You Ain't Alone, Howard wails like a well-honed hyena, asking “Are you scared on your own two feet?” The palm muting, finger clicking and Howard's cute-as-pie vocals on Goin' To The Party and the more uptempo Heartbreaker show the true depth of this young act. The latter reflects its title with a touching piano and galloping snare intro.

Hipsters will be all over this due to their apparent overnight success, but boy is the hype warranted. This is a sharp debut from a band you'll no doubt hear plenty more from in the future. Now Shake, Alabama! Shake!