Alabama Shakes sounds like summer. It’s warm, wild and hopeful. Think if Fitz and the Tantrums had more of an old school southern rock/delta blues feel. Not to mention this band is blowing up right now, they’re selling out everywhere from London to New York. No wonder they scored a slot at Bonnaroo this summer. It’s not the typical brand of alternative we’ve all become accustomed to; it’s much less electronica and so much more raw and honest.

Lead singer Brittany Howard’s voice is great in a non-traditional way. She probably couldn’t hit Whitney Houston type notes but instead sings in a more soulful Janis Joplin way. Almost every song is a heart wrenching and relatable song about love, but then again, isn’t that what all good music is about? Even so, Alabama Shakes really hits the mark. It’s the perfect album to get drunk to by yourself at home and dance around to. We need more genuine bands like this. If you act fast, right now you can download their song “Hold On” for free on iTunes. It’s a great introduction to the band and one of my favorites off the album. “I Ain’t the Same” is also a good one with Howard belting out “I wasn’t worried about nobody and nobody worried about me.” Lastly, I can’t not mention the guitars on “Hang Loose.” It’s a groove I can really dig.

If you’re looking for great new music with actual instruments, this is it. It’s not the typical brand of alternative we’ve all become accustomed to; it’s much less electronica and so much more raw and honest. It falls into that category of “it sounds old, but it’s new” which is a rare and always exciting find for me personally. Rock on Alabama Shakes, rock on.

Grade: A

Recommended Songs: “Hold On,” “I Ain’t the Same” and “Hang Loose”