Alabama Shakes

Perhaps the most buzzed about band at SXSW this year, Alabama Shakes didn’t disappoint at Hype Hotel on Thursday evening. The band cranks out infectious blues rock riffs with an untouchable cool that lets the music shine through. Frontwoman Brittany Howard isn’t afraid to open her voice full throttle, and when she does it’s a sight to behold; her pipes can hang with the best of them. Standout tracks like “Hold On” and “Heavy Chevy” show that this band is ready for the primetime. With an album out next week and an opening slot on Jack White’s summer tour, they’ll have plenty of opportunity to show it.