Brittany Howard stepped onto the stage at Millennium Square in Leeds to a rapturous welcome, declaring, 'Long time, no see,' as Alabama Shakes returned from a decade-long hiatus. The multiple Grammy-winning blues-soul-rock band from the deep south last performed in the UK 10 years ago and released their most recent album 11 years ago. A third album is expected later this year.
No Signs of Rustiness
If there was any rustiness from the long break, it did not show as the band launched into the smooth yet punchy 'Rise to the Sun.' The song set the tone for an evening where the group demonstrated equal prowess in slick, groove-locked numbers and raw, raspy performances.
Playing as a five-piece band—now without original drummer Steve Johnson—plus three backing singers, Alabama Shakes performed in front of a backdrop resembling a Windows 98 screensaver of animated clouds. The stripped-back setting suited a band that needs no embellishments. Howard, capable of Curtis Mayfield-esque falsetto one moment and Aretha Franklin-like rousing bursts the next, commanded the stage. She let rip gloriously on tracks like 'Hang Loose,' while the band captivated most when in full swing.
New Songs and Old Favorites
On the new song 'Time,' the band stretched into a raucous yet deft instrumental workout fusing hard rock with wobbly psychedelia. 'Gimme All Your Love' blended polished R&B with blistering riffs. A palpable sense of hope rippled through the music, from the mantra-like cries of their 2012 hit 'Hold On,' performed movingly, to Howard singing 'I've been having me a real hard time / but it feels so nice to know I'm gonna be all right' with palpable emotion on 'This Feeling.'
Political and Hopeful Encore
The encore featured the new political single 'American Dream,' a slow-burn number referencing abortion rights and gun violence, rooted in the belief that tough times can be overcome. Howard ended the night by wishing affordable housing, love, and pets that live to 35 years old on the crowd, who lapped up the entire evening voraciously. It was clear this band had been sorely missed.
Alabama Shakes will play Alexandra Palace in London on 3 July.
