Alabama Shakes review – US rockers’ first UK gig in a decade is suffused with hope for the future

Millennium Square, Leeds
As they tee up a long-awaited third album, the deep south band are variously slick and raw as they ruminate on overcoming tough times

‘Long time, no see,” declares Brittany Howard, stepping on stage to a rapturous welcome, as Alabama Shakes return from a hiatus. It’s been 10 years since the multiple Grammy-winning blues-soul-rock outfit from the deep south last played in the UK and 11 since their most recent album – though a third is being teed up for later in the year.

If there’s any rustiness, it isn’t evident as they glide straight into the smooth but punchy Rise to the Sun. It sets the tone for an evening in which the group can do slick and groove-locked songs as vividly as they do raw and raspy ones.
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