Formed in Athens in 2009, the Alabama Shakes deliver an album full of punchy blues-rock and southern soul. Often compared to the Black Keys and Drive By Truckers, on first listen it’s not hard to disagree. This band is a blunderbuss of torrential, unsophisticated R&B. The vocals belong to Brittany Howard and whether she sighs, moans, hollers or screams, the result is an in-your-face assault that leaves you wanting more. Much is expected and rightfully so. This album is a beauty and songs like ‘You Ain’t Alone’ are the tease that says more please!

Lou Fulco is from Readings Hawthorn