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Alabama 3

Venue: O2 Academy
Town: Bournemouth
Date: 1st December
Website: www.alabama3.co.uk//

There are a lot of people who don't know Alabama 3. Say to them 'You know the Soprano's theme tune? Well that's them' and the recognition will more than likely be instant. It's great that the band has this on their long CV of achievements but it's not what they're about. Hell no. They've been bringing their music to the constantly growing masses for the past 16 years and right now they're showcasing the new album 'Shoplifting 4 Jesus' on the touring track across the UK.

It's been a little while since Alabama 3 graced Bournemouth's O2 Academy with their epic presence but Thursday night bought the expectant fans out in the miserable weather to celebrate their heroes return in style. You forget how many Alabama 3 are until you see them live; they literally filled the stage with their presence in terms of amount and personality.

Opening with the sound of Ray Winstone's bruisingly heavy tones quoting Exodus was eerie and gripping all at once and could only have been more spooky if his head had appeared to float about like a Bet365 ad.

'Have You Been Having a Nightmare' the first track from the new release was the perfect start with a gentle intro of bizarre happenings that just can't be explained. Larry Love and Rev. Dr. D Wayne Love certainly looked as if they were enjoying their show with a look of rightful self assurance that the night had begun exactly the way it should have. 'It's About That Time' is a simple yet pleasing track thanks to its uncomplicated arrangement and lyrics 'it's about that time to stop the clock/are you ready to roll let's rock the block'.

Aurora Dawn is one hell of a talented lady and her being on stage as the vocal rose between the thorns of the boys Love was a definite highlight and seeing her swig red wine straight from the bottle between lines was as random as it was impressive. 'Who the F*** is John Sinclair?' rolls through impressively but probably isn't the highlight of the night. Underlying anger all present and correct but just lacking in the killer punch stakes. 'Facebook.con' however is a brilliant track for anyone sick of the social media tirade we battle against day in, day out and you could almost feel the band's detest for all things Facebook-y.

The bluesy rock undercurrent mixed nicely with a little touch of dubstep and Dawn's hacked off 'I've got 25,000 friends/all I want to do is disappear' lyric just about sums it all up. The culmination of the night's tone came with 'Summer in the City'. Every word on 'Shoplifting 4 Jesus' is an undertone of the disaffected youth of Britain today and with the London riots earlier this year as the album's influential backdrop this was one track that spoke out for the sufferings experienced and those which will probably keep coming. Larry Love announced the track 'for demonised kids everywhere' where it's not about giving your local hoodie a chance to prove yourself wrong, it's about holding judgements back until there is something to judge. Heavy stuff right? You better believe it. It's a bluntly beautiful track and Dawn and the Love's gave it their all with anger, confusion and sadness all wrapped wonderfully messily together.

Alabama 3 are a band where you feel they have something of note to say and despite their weird exterior they just want to be taken to your hearts and understood. Just like any charming hoodie.

Emma Sutherland
http://emmasutherland.posterous.com
Picture illustrative not taken at gig