19 February 2015 (gig)
23 February 2015
“We’re keeping it real” drawls Britney Howard, Alabama Shakes lead singer before launching into a song from their new album. This is half way through their intimate Islington Town Hall Assembly gig. The Shakes are in town as part of the NME Awards show with Austin Texas. Two years after they last played in the UK, Alabama Shakes are if anything, bigger better and even more assured.
“We’re keeping it real” and they do not disappoint, whereas the rest of the band seem languid and laid back Brittney Howard truly leaves it all on the stage. Every song feels like she’s singing in for the first time over an incident that happened earlier that day. She is heartbroken and torn, she is mean and vengeful, and she is passionate and filled with love. The songs old or new, no matter the pace are driven hard and with a deep soulful voice that seems to come from a bygone era.
“We’re keeping it real” is when Britney introduces two new songs from the forthcoming album Sound and Colour, 'Don’t Wanna Fight' and 'Future People'. They go on to play the whole of the new album. On first blush they suggest that not only was their debut hit album not a fluke but they are a band that is likely to get better as they gain experience and grow as a band. However, the barnstorming hits of Hang Loose and Be Mine were still what got the crowd going. The night ended with You ain’t alone and it left the crowd fulfilled and happy and as almost exhausted as Britney and the band themselves. Alabama Shakes truly kept it real.
