Alabama 3 - Sexy Cowboys
With matching sexy white outfits, a couple of cowboy hats, some dodgy American accents, a few gangster-looking types and some sweet country acid house rock. Who else could it be but of course, the one and only Brixton boys and girl that make up Alabama 3!
In the Astoria to promote their latest blend of funky soul, gospel, blues and acid house with new album M.O.R. The Alabama 3 guys are definitely unmistakable in the well and truly packed out London venue. As I squeezed in to the already very lively crowd the Brixton 8-piece began their 2-hour long set, of some old, some new and some just damn right classic songs, including 'Last Train To Nashville' 'Hello' and new tracks 'Middle of the Road' 'Work It' and 'Monday Don't Mean Anything To Me'.
Highlights of the night would have to be the mighty audience reaction to the bands probably best known song Woke Up This Morning the soundtrack to the Sopranos TV series and of course the classic funk soul track You Don't Dance To Techno Anymore.
There's only one word to describe this kind of reaction and that is colossal. The audience oozed up every word, every note and every beat. The strange thing was the unanimous dance that after looking around I realised everyone had adopted. It involved a little nodding of the head and a slight jerking action of the hips. Like a virus it spreads and before you realise you're infected with its poison and it feels groovy!
So an hour later, a couple of guest singers and dancers been and gone, a brass section and an oversized banner it's all descending into potential debauchery on stage, the band then disappear for a short while and come back with a 3 song encore.
It's definitely one crazy party at this gig and not only are Alabama 3 so fixating to watch with lead vocalist Larry Loves dancing to the rhythm in his head (not necessarily the rhythm of the song) they are in fact like a religion. They preach their gospel and not only does it make you shake your body or make you smile, it pulsates throughout your soul, sending shivers and shockwaves from head to toe.
Towards the end of the gig it really had descended into a party atmosphere on stage, about 14 people dancing, singing and making it a night that every sweating audience member will remember.
The crowd also loved every second and were eager to join in their fair share of singing and dancing. This lot come across as having one hell of a time on stage and you know they've each got a litre of Jack Daniels backstage.
It was a nice touch walking out to Sweet Home Alabama being played over the PA but I just can't help thinking now the only thing better than an Alabama 3 gig, is an Alabama 3 after show!