Alabama Shakes - Sound & Colour, 2x 180g Vinyl LP

For "Sound & Color", the second, new album by the Alabama Shakes, singer Brittany Howard defined a few cornerstones: these range from Curtis Mayfield to Gil Scott-Heron to the Temptations and soundtracks by David Axelrod. The album was recorded in Nashville. The twelve songs show a clear development towards a more differentiated sound and more individuality. So it's no contradiction when Howard whoops like James Brown on ecstasy, only to turn into a prepunky garage soul à la The Sonics in the next song and then wallow in sweaty slo-mo psychedelic blues again.

No question, the Alabama Shakes have achieved what most can only dream of since the release of their debut "Boys & Girls" three years ago. Gold in the USA, three Grammy nominations, third place in England - not bad for a debut, eh? Plus soundtrack contributions to Hollywood hits like "Twelve Years A Slave" and "Silver Linings" and a private concert for Barack Obama.

With "Sound & Color" Alabama Shakes deliver an album full of courage, identity, warmth, depth and high musicality.