Brittany Howard continues to build on the legend that already is Alabama Shakes — the frontwoman’s remarkable voice and earnest showmanship set the tone for an intense performance by the Cotton State rockers on Thursday night at the Greek Theatre. Touring in support of their sophomore album “Sound & Color,” released in this April, Alabama Shakes filled the Greek with fervent fans of all ages who hung on Howard’s every howl. The band opened its with “Future People” from their new album and pushed seamlessly through a 19-song set featuring a healthy mix of new and old tracks. Along with two additional keyboardists and three back-up singers in tow, Alabama Shakes captivated their whooping hangers-on with a spirited and honest performance of roots-rock and vintage soul. “This might be the best looking venue we’ve ever played!” insisted Howard, who stomped and paced the stage between piercing guitar licks and wide-mouthed wails of earth-shaking magnitude. While the Athens, Ala., quintet do not care to be called “revivalists,” there is no doubt that their revivalesque style is rooted in old blues and ’60s and ’70s R&B. The aptly titled “Gospel Song” quickly grew in power proving that nearly all of Alabama Shakes’ tracks, even the slow burners, can rise enough to seem like perfect show-closers. Howard noted “This next song goes out to someone who can’t be with us tonight ’cause he’s in jail,” and then moved into “Miss You” from their new album. Audience favorites were the explosive “Gimme All Your Love” and “Don’t Wanna Fight,” which started a theater-wide clap-along. Alabama Shakes closed their main set with “Gemini” and returned for a three-song encore starting with “Sound & Color.” The dynamic Howard grew more and more authoritative and unstoppable in front of the rest of the band who unfortunately had little no contact with one another, but the collective passion from the stage was still palpable as they closed the night with “Over My Head.” Howard’s whisper-to-belt vocals took fans through her own personal journey from joy to woe leaving everyone pleasantly rattled and absorbed by Alabama Shakes’ real-deal garage-rock.

Alabama Shakes were opened by guitar virtuoso, and their producer, Blake Mills. His enigmatic style proved that Mills is truly a guitarist’s guitarist, with such skillful finger-picking and fretwork that even though he performed sitting down, early birds were glued to the big screens watching close-ups of his hands. Along with drummer Stuart Johnson and Tyler Chester on guitar/keys, Mills whet the appetite of fans who were otherwise settling in for a night of rollicking blues-rock.

Photos and review by me for BUZZBANDS.LA

BLAKE MILLS