In the 1960s and 70s, the musicological spontaneity of artists like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix popularized a fusion of soul, blues, and rock that has been virtually unrepeatable in the decades since. But this year, that streak of trial-and-error has finally ended—on its debut album Boys & Girls, Alabama Shakes replicates this unique sound while still managing to create an identity all its own.
The single “Hold On” kicks off the album with steady thumping drums and a slightly distorted repeating guitar riff that immediately showcases the band’s voice. Steve Johnson’s powerful punk-rock drumming style, which forces its way through the LP, competes with the soul rhythm of the bass and Brittany Howard’s scratchy vocals, giving Boys & Girls a striking edge that throws the listener into the music of a bygone age while maintaining a consistent image of a modern garage rock band.
“I Found You” accelerates the pace of the record, allowing for more diverse instrumental passages as Howard demonstrates the full capacity of her malleable voice. The result is a track combining the best of Janis Joplin and Otis Redding in a soulful song driven by unexpected changes in tempo and backing vocals. This steadily building energy culminates in “Hang Loose,” a track whose rapid guitar riffs add a repurposed soul-and-blues-infused Steve Miller Band to the list of influences.
After a strong start, however, the record takes an unfortunate turn towards the middle, especially with slower tracks like “You Ain’t Alone.” While each of the songs in the album’s middle slump has a distinguished rhythm and style, all pale in comparison to the spirited tracks that kick off the album. The skip button is tempting, but the commanding drums of “Heartbreaker” and Howard’s wailing emotion of the title track make the wait worthwhile. “On Your Way” returns to the tempo that permeates the beginning of Boys & Girls through a percussion-heavy crescendo culminating in a satisfying guitar solo, which rounds off the album on a memorable note.
If the number of influences is directly proportional to a band’s success, Alabama Shakes’ debut record is in a class of its own. Boys & Girls has the clear potential to lead a revival of the hardly-breathing genre of rock and roll.
Voice’s Choices: “Hold On,” “On Your Way”
