The Word On... Alabama Shakes, Boys & Girls

 

Larry Ryan Author Biography

Larry Ryan

Larry Ryan is Deputy Editor of The Independent Magazine. He has previously worked on the Home News desk and the website of The Independent and he writes the "Caught in the Net" music column for the paper's arts magazine, Radar.

More articles from this journalist

Friday 13 April 2012

Print
A A A
Suggested Topics

 

"A near perfect blend of blues and rock'n'roll... It's an album you can listen to over and over again, and still somehow marvel at the familiar voice of Brittany Howard every time. 'Boys & Girls' is more than a debut album. It's an introduction to a band you thought you knew for years, but are just fortunate enough to meet now." popmatters.com

"Reveals [their] limitations along with its considerable potential... Removed from the raised stakes of sweaty clubs and music festivals, [they] begin to fade into the ranks of like-minded traditionalists, from Tennis to M Ward." avclub.com

"Alabama Shakes's politeness and overly-earnest approach to their music robs it of the very feel that should be at its heart. Prepare to be underwhelmed by its forthcoming ubiquity." thequietus.com

Comments

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
News in pictures
World news in pictures
Arts & Ents blogs

Children’s Books: Recommended read – ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness

Thirteen-year-old Conor awakes in bed one night to discover that the yew tree outside his house has ...

Made in Chelsea – Series 5, Episode 11: Louise plays and wins at Spencer’s game

It’s hard not to feel sorry for doe-eyed Andy. He spends months pining after Louise, has huge nostr...

The Returned: ‘Simon’ – Series 1, episode 2

Fragility of life looms large over an episode that closes with the scarring on Julie's stomach. Whil...

       
SPONSORED FEATURES

How will you make today delicious?

Tell us how you plan to make today delicious and you could win a £50 M&S gift card.

Nook Get reading Prizes & offers
Business videos

Win a Nook® Simple Touch eReader

Find out how Nook® is supporting the Evening Standard's Get Reading campaign - and your chance to win one.

M&S prizes Get reading Prizes & offers
Business videos

Free reading festival for families

Follow The Standard's campaign to get London's children reading - and experience this unique event at Trafalgar Square on 13 July.

M&S prizes Nook Prizes & offers
Business videos

Enter the latest Independent competitions

Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.

M&S prizes Nook Get reading
Business videos

Business videos from commercial thought leaders

Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.

M&S prizes Nook Get reading
Prizes & offers
 

ES Rentals

    Babies behind bars: A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail

    Babies behind bars

    A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail
    Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm for under 25s

    Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm

    Is Mosquito, the alarm only under-25s can hear, a blessing or a bane?
    The art of living in small spaces: Architects are learning how to make less, more

    The art of living in small spaces

    Space in cities at a premium so architects are learning how to make less, more...
    Special report: The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

    The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

    After four 'nice' years as Governor of Bank of England, things turned decisively nasty
    Zombie nation: Our enduring fascination with a world full of death and destruction

    Zombie nation: Our fascination with death and destruction

    A new season of shows on Radio 4 is inspired by dark tales of future dystopias. Meanwhile, zombies are marauding in the multiplexes...
    Martin Stephen: 'Ofsted says comprehensives are failing the most able but teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

    'Teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

    It doesn't take a selective system to nurture the best minds, says a former head of St Paul's boys' school.
    The retail empires strike back: Can new technology lure us back to the high street?

    Can technology lure us back to the high street?

    The high street has been bruised and battered by online firms but in-store technology is helping to enliven the retail experience...
    The 10 Best new smartphones

    The 10 Best new smartphones

    Photos, films, music, apps and browsing - the latest mobiles can do it all
    Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

    Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

    McLaren man admits 'failed gamble' with car has left him pinning hopes on 2014 campaign
    James Lawton: Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe

    James Lawton

    Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe
    'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong': The true effect of the badger cull

    The true effect of the badger cull

    'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong'
    Theatre review: Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's The Cripple of Inishmaan

    First night: The Cripple of Inishmaan

    Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's comedy
    Girls Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

    Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

    After 103 years, organisation changes oath to welcome 'all girls, of all faiths, and none'
    Steve Tongue: Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago

    Steve Tongue

    Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago
    Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Bradley Wiggins' exit

    Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Wiggins' exit

    Sky's lead rider says he is in fantastic form for the Tour and happy pecking order debate is over