12th November 2012, Academy 1
8/10
Instantly noticing the incredibly mixed demographic, I was reminded of how Alabama Shakes’ music successfully combines the blues styles of 50s and 60s America with the driving rock styles of the more present day. Regardless of the audience’s diversity, however, when the band made their way on stage, the room united with torrents of cheers and expectation.
A non-album track opened, coming as a slight surprise, but when they launched into the slide guitar intro of ‘Hang Loose’, the audience soon erupted into rhythmic sways and smiles of recognition, filling the room with a laid back enjoyment and shared delight for this head-bobbing music, which was sustained throughout the set. The single ‘Hold On’ then followed which elicited more cheers and dancing from the captivated crowd.
However, as the set went on, more upbeat, vocal-driven album tracks such as ‘I Found You’ and ‘Be Mine’ were interspersed with some unfamiliar songs that took on a more rock ‘n’ roll feel. These showed off the shredding guitar solos of their captivating front woman, Brittany, driving both the charismatic and infectiously passionate lead singer, and consequently the crowd, into a frenzy, making the room buzz with atmosphere. In between these high-octane tunes sat a few poignant laments, such as ‘Boys & Girls’, ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘You Ain’t Alone’, intoxicating the audience with the delicate, vulnerable passion of Brittany’s rough and raw voice that is heard less in the punchy and vivacious, attitude-flaunting tracks.
When their inevitable encore started with the drummer setting his cymbals alight, the pulsing drums and cool guitar lines of ‘I Ain’t The Same’ drove the crowd into their familiar hoots and cheers, with the evening ending with a fast paced rock ‘n’ roll number, ‘Heat Lightnin’’, leaving everyone in an afterglow of nostalgic splendour.
