Alabama Shakes return after ten years with new song ‘Another Life’
Alabama Shakes, after a ten-year break, have made a compelling return to the music scene with their new single titled “Another Life.” Following the success of their first two albums in the early 2010s, the band went on a prolonged hiatus, during which lead singer Brittany Howard ventured into solo work. Howard, along with guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell, have now regrouped to tour and produce new music, kicking off the release with the track “Another Life.”
In contrast to many groups that capitalize on nostalgia for reunion tours, the Alabama Shakes offer a more complex and satisfying experience. The band faced early perceptions as a retro Southern soul ensemble due to their reliance on hand-played instruments, powerful grooves, the energetic frontwoman Brittany Howard, and their proximity to the renowned recording history of Muscle Shoals. They quickly dismantled this narrow view by asserting their broad spectrum of influences, diving into experimental territory that transcended time and style. During their hiatus, Howard developed her solo career characterized by an Afrofuturistic vision that was both uncomplicated and boundless.
Distinct from the majority of nostalgia-driven reunions, the Alabama Shakes showcase revitalized music with “Another Life.” They have liberated themselves from the confines of past glory or uncertainties about the future. Their latest sound returns to ’60s rock and soul roots akin to their debut album “Boys & Girls” but takes it a step further with grander, more innovative soundscapes. Howard’s emotive vocals have evolved, embodying the imaginative essence of her lyrics and addressing themes of belief in reconciliation and diverse realities.
With the band back on tour, performing “Another Life” and other fresh material from an upcoming album, the Alabama Shakes have infused vitality into their pre-existing repertoire. At a show in Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, the group’s nine-piece ensemble was surrounded by ethereal lighting, a far cry from their more modest early performances. Howard reflected on the band’s journey, recounting the joy of buying her first home fueled by the band’s success, which inspired her song “This Feeling.”
Inspired by a blend of ’60s British soul rock, the Alabama Shakes continue to experiment with their music, exploring various genres like garage Sly Stone. Howard’s matured vocals convey a range of emotions and wisdom that resonate in their newest release, “Another Life.” The track navigates the turbulence and hopefulness of human relationships, underscoring the band’s philosophical perspective that humanity can rediscover its true essence.
In an ever-changing musical landscape, the Alabama Shakes remain a beacon of authenticity and creativity, delivering a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation that distinguishes them from traditional reunion acts.