This spring, I published a book titled «Que reste-t-il de nos États-Unis? » A work of journalism reflecting on our southern neighbor in the era of Donald Trump 2.0.
The band Alabama Shakes perfectly embodies what remains of this divided and polarized country. The trio is resolutely committed to a fairer society, but without ever being preachy. They deliver rock music that often moves at a slow tempo, making us float while we dance—and served with a solid seasoning of soul!
I Must Be Dreaming marks the group’s third offering, following an eleven-year hiatus. Nothing less!
At the heart of Alabama Shakes is the incandescent Brittany Howard, who has given us two solo albums, Jaime (2019) and What Now? (2024). With a voice that can alternate between tenderness and power, Howard represents, for me, the 21st-century equivalent of Nina Simone. Her vocal range spellbinds us, and her lyrics challenge us. You get the feeling that if you touched her, you would get burned…
The trio’s other two members—Zach Cockrell on bass and Heath Fogg on guitars—play a key role in compositions featuring multiple layers that add complexity to music that is raw at its core. And this blend works seamlessly, supported by guest musicians on percussion and keyboards.
On Time, the guitars ignite and wail, letting the music slip into dissonance. Most of the time, however, we find ourselves in a zone where the mid-tempo rhythm leads to a kind of meditation. On American Dream, it feels like a soul-drenched trip-hop track. Even after three listens, I’m still deciphering new sounds.
We have a microbrewery in Tuscaloosa—a college town in Alabama—to thank for inviting the band to reunite for a single benefit night. That event paved the way for Alabama Shakes to get back together.
Alabama is a concentrated mix of all American contradictions. On the exact same day, it celebrates both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the anniversary of the pro-slavery Confederacy from the 19th-century Civil War.
“This album is about love, but also about resistance in our country, which is chaotic and confused right now,” Brittany Howard told The New York Times.
We’ll get to witness and hear the result for ourselves on stage: Alabama Shakes will be playing at MTELUS in Montreal on September 15.
