(December 4, 2015 – rollingstone.com) – Alabama Shakes’ 2012 debut, Boys & Girls, was an instant-vintage roots-rock triumph. But that wasn’t enough for these free-spirited, hot-blooded rock & rollers, and their follow-up is a different beast entirely: One of the year’s most daring interstellar groove journeys. Lead singer Brittany Howard is still a one-of-a-kind stunner, and there’s plenty of Memphis fire from guitarist Heath Fogg to go around. But the songs come wrapped in a heady blend of organs, vibraphones, strings and synths – rich new hues that tear through the dividing line between old-school soul and the newer, weirder stuff. This is the sound of a band with whole galaxies ahead of it. No wonder both Paul McCartney and Prince heard this album and wanted to get in on the fun.