Before the April 21 release date of Alabama Shakes’ new album, Sound & Color, the soul-drenched quartet will have previewed the material several times, including in Vegas. While some acts avoid working their latest material into a set prior to their fans having access to recordings of it, Alabama Shakes have had no such reservations. The band, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Brittany Howard, has performed songs such as “Gimme All Your Love,” “The Greatest,” and “Gemini” as far back as last May at the 2014 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival without concern that audiences would be led into unfamiliar territory.
There is little reason for concern when Howard mesmerizes audiences with her primal, unearthly voice and commanding stage presence, backed by a swamp boogie-soaked band that draws on a spectrum of musical influences. Alabama Shakes’ 2012 debut, Boys & Girls, established its sound with warm vintage guitars nestled in a bed of Fender bass, swirling organ and deep-in-the-pocket drums. The album was a snapshot of a fast-growing group that had already matured by the time the material caught on, with songs such as “Hold On,” “Hang Loose” and “You Ain’t Alone” satisfying appetites for musical authenticity in a streaming media world. –Matt Kelemen
Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, 9 p.m. April 18, starting at $36.50 plus tax and fee, 18+. 702.862.2695
