This Athens, Alabama band has a lot to live up to on it’s first record, Boys & Girls. It may not have as much hype as Lana Del Rey did, but within the rock community, everybody has been counting down the days till it’s release. Digitally, that day has arrived, and on first note, if your only exposure to Alabama Shakes prior to this release was the single “Hold On,” you have not been properly prepared for how awesome this album is!

I’m getting this out of the way up front, because it really doesn’t matter as much as you’d think, but the melodies and instrumentation on this record are really, really simple. That’s not to say that the Shakes can’t rock out when needed; instead, the band serve more as a platform for Brittany Howard’s unbelievable vocals. Do not take that as an insult to the skill or sound of the band, the simple instrumentation is really evocative, adding layers of emotion to each song.

The band’s influences are streamlined through a mixture of blues, southern gospel, and 60’s & 70’s style R&B. The track “I Found You” steps right out of that early R&B era, right down to the back up vocals; it bleed Aretha Franklin all over the place. “Hang Loose” is one of those tracks that accompanies you to the beach. The guitars have that very breezy sound to them, and the lyrics are littered with oceanic references. The most stunning track, “Heartbreaker,” opens with these drums that sound like a firing squad about to shoot. The vocal delivery on this track will leave you in tears, and it’s retro style is so evocative with so few notes played.

I feel so giddy over this album; it’s that good. This is the first album to go way beyond the quakes of it’s initial hype; Alabama Shakes feel like a band that are so natural, and comfortable in their musical skin that they can do anything they want and it will sound amazing. Follow this band, buy their album on iTunes, and then buy it in the store! Embrace the awesome that is Alabama Shakes!

Album Rating: Buy It on CD or Vinyl

Listening Co-efficient: Passive Listen

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