Brittany Howard Shakes Her Alabama Off To Release Thunderbitch’s Debut Album

Is everyone aware of how amazing Brittany Howard is? In a very Bowie-sque move, she has just released a surprise LP as Thunderbitch, her alter ego and side project, which actually emerged late 2012. The elusive band, which only gave a handful of shows, seemed to have disappeared and Brittany got very busy with Alabama Shakes’ very successful career. But when people thought Thunderbitch was gone, it discreetly reemerged with a self-released debut LP.

The very well-named Thunderbitch, which consists of Alabama Shakes’ frontwoman but also members of Nashville acts Fly Golden Eagle and Clear Plastic Masks, has a rawer and more aggressive sound than Howard’s work with Alabama Shakes,… although it is not really far away. I am currently streaming the album on the band’s website, and it’s a blast! A true rock & roll wonder, showcasing Howard’s fantastic powerhouse-thunderstorm vocals, which have never sounded so great… and could I mention Bowie again? Or Iggy Pop? Or Janis Joplin? Or what a raw power this woman is? It’s like the wild punk side of the Alabama, more ‘The Greatest’, and less ‘This Feeling’, but who could complain?

Overall, they keep it simple, just like their bio ‘Thunderbitch. Rock ‘n’ Roll. The end.’ as if they just wanted to concentrate on their loud and abrasive sound. But what intrigued me first was this trailer for the promo, showing a motorcycle gang featuring white-faces dark-glasses individuals having a little campfire gathering, dancing and making out, while the whole thing smells danger and riots. And may be the most surprising thing was Howard’s new look, she has dropped her softer appearance for a leather jacket, dark glasses, straight black hair and a white-as-snow face! What a transformation….could I mention Bowie again?

Stream Thunderbitch’s album on the band’s website, listen to it on Apple Music, buy it on iTunes here, or even grab a physical copy, and watch the video for the record’s surprise release below… They are still this little secret (Thunderbitch’s Facebook page has a ridiculous 3,800 likes), but it’s over, the cat is out the bag, and they are gonna sell out huge places very soon, I am sure.