Alabama Shakes, Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

Since their formation in Athens, Alabama in 2009, the Alabama Shakes have come a very long way, exploding in popularity following the release of their debut album, Boys & Girls (2012). The genre bending band, mixing blues, roots, and garage rock consists of guitarist and lead singer Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, keyboardist Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. They have also augmented their live performances with an extra pair of multi-instrumentalists and a small troupe of backup singers.

Frontwoman Brittany Howard not only has a beautiful, soulful voice, but is the force that drives the band, both in their sound and their presence. Interestingly, the nineteen songs through which she led the band during the ninety minute set included every one of the dozen songs from their yet unreleased upcoming album, Sound & Color (2015). Quite a bold move. It meant this would be the first introduction to most of the songs on the setlist for many audience members, myself included. Furthermore, considering the number of fans recording videos on their smartphones, it would also mean that the entire album would inevitably be released through a series of YouTube videos rather than traditional media. This shouldn’t have been surprising considering that at many points throughout the show, Brittany Howard looked as if she was singing only for herself and her band, indifferent if anyone was listening or not. I was very surprised though that their setlist didn’t include the song "Hold On," their beloved breakout song. While I understand their desire to no longer be defined by it, they’re a bit early on their career to completely ignore crowd favorite. Their catalogue isn't nearly deep enough to skip their signature song. However, clearly the Alabama Shakes have gotten this far on their own terms.

Setlist:
Rise to the Sun

Miss You
Future People
I Found You
Dunes
Don't Wanna Fight
Always Alright
Guess Who
This Feeling
Gimme All Your Love
The Greatest
Shoegaze
I Ain't the Same
Be Mine
Gemini
Encore:
Sound & Color
On Your Way
You Ain't Alone
Over My Head