Alabama 3 - Academy, Manchester, 26/4/2008
by Aaron Brown
published: 20 / 4 / 2008
intro
Aaron Brown watches the Alabama 3 play a set of almost religious intensity with their unique combination of country, southern gospel and acid house at a show at the Manchester Academy
It’s a warm, humid atmosphere in the newly refurbished Manchester Academy for one of the most anticipated gigs of the year. Many of the revellers for tonight’s show are decked out in shades, stetsons and smart suits akin to the sleaze kings. The Alabama 3, seven members in total and not from Alabama but rather via Brixton, seem more like a Deep South religious show with the Right Reverend D Wayne Love here to save us. Taking the stage to a huge appreciative roar, the band immediately kicking into 'Hypo Full Love', which depicts sleazy drug peddling at its best The band's greatest weapon without a doubt is singer Larry Love's unique vocal which makes Mark Lanegan and Tom Waits sound like Bee Gees throwbacks. Of course it wouldn’t be an Alabama 3 gig without playing 'Woke Up This Morning' which goes down a treat. Arguably, however, the treat of the night is the addictive 'U Don’t Danse to Tekno Anymore', which is anthemic, sublime and pure genius. Crossing country, southern gospel with acid house isn’t supposed to work but somehow it just does. It's been a while since I have been to a gig where you know everyone has gone away happy.
Band Links:-
http://www.alabama3.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/thealabama3
https://twitter.com/TheAlabama3
https://www.youtube.com/user/Alabama3akaA3
https://plus.google.com/114105243203762208008
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2012) |
Peter Allison talks to Larry Love from Alabama 3 about his band's hip hop and sample-infused latest album, 'Shoplifting 4 Jesus', and which finds them reflecting angrily on the global economy, digital piracy and the London riots. |
Interview (2009) |
Interview (2007) |
Interview (2005) |
live reviews |
Academy, Manchester, 29/11/2014 |
At the Academy in Manchester Billy Seagrave watches Alabama 3 play an exuberant yet thought-provoking set |
Rock City, Nottingham, 12/11//2009 |
Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, 8/10/2007 |
Brook, Southampton, 29/5/2005 |
soundcloud
reviews |
Shoplifting 4 Jesus (2012) |
Confrontational, yet hopeful new album from the Alabama 3 whose themes include the economic recession, digital piracy and the riots, and which finds them blending reggae and hip hop into their gospel/acid/country sound |
M.O.R. (2007) |
How Can I Protect You ? (2005) |
Outlaw (2005) |
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