Concert Review: Alabama Shakes impresses Toronto crowd with energetic show

For the new kid in town, the Alabama Shakes sure deliver an old school feel. Performing live at the ACC on Wednesday night in support of their new album Sound and Color, the ‘Bama-based fivesome made a strong impression as they headlined their first big arena show in Toronto.

They have quickly risen to prominence since their debut album Boys & Girls was released in 2012 and introduced a wider audience to their soulful and blues-y Southern rock sound.  

Last night, led by multi-faceted lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, the Shakes gave Toronto a 90-minute show that featured 21 songs infused by rapidly changing tempos. The five band members were joined on stage by four supporting musicians who provided some frenetic instrumentals when necessary, while also able to slow to an ambling, relaxed pace on some slower tracks.

Howard possessed a fierce force of presence as the band’s anchor, demonstrating some sharp, powerful and raw vocals while also challenging her own range on songs like the Grammy-winning “Hold On”. While her imposing vocals would otherwise seem at odds with the frenzied and varied musicality behind her, they worked together to provide an explosive-but-enjoyable sensory explosion.

Though normally a beacon for fresh, newly emerging and interesting bands, the Toronto crowd of 3,500 left the Hangar disappointingly empty. It was the city’s music fans who missed out, though, as the enthusiasm remained palpable from a band that is only a few years removed from serving as the opening act at a local deli and tavern. Some may try to compare the genre-defying Shakes to the Arcade Fire, based mostly on their respective armies of musicians, but the comparison does a dis-service to both unique and original groups.

The Shakes are a definite throwback, combining Southern rock with some funk, soul, a bit of a bluegrass feel and even a bit of a garage rock sound. The incomparable Howard might be one of the best lead singers in rock music today, regardless of gender. Whether it was poor promotion or simply a lack of exposure that brought disappointingly flat attendance numbers, this band deserves better. Good thing it appears that they’ll be around for a while.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO