Let’s make one thing clear. Alabama Shakes are headed towards big, big, things. You probably could already see this coming, I know I did. But even with my faith, the band still managed to blow my mind with their overwhelmingly great set at the tail end of Thursday night at Bonnaroo.
“Hold On” was delivered with a great passion that absolutely tossed the enthusiastic crowd into a grand fever. It should be noted that the song was the 2nd song played during their set, something that worked in their benefit. The crowd went nuts, singing even louder than any early follower of the band could have imagined. I was transported far away from the notion that this was a little gem that I had been keeping my little secret. I was dead wrong. It’s a smashing hit that has reached incredible levels.
From then on it was clear coasting for Brittany and the Shakes, who easily laid down the most soulful jams of the night, as well as the festival. The songs off their debut album Boys & Girls take on a new life live, grasping a firm grip on the feeling of that particular night, giving the crowd a unique performance of each song that can’t be reciprocated. It’s unique to the moment, grasping a hold of what they are feeling, just like any good soulful band should do.
Alabama Shakes will soon be at the top of the world, and it’s a great thing for all of us.
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