Alabama Shakes ‘Murder’ SXSW Crowd

Buzz band Alabama Shakes didn’t mask their intention to slay at SXSW. Frontwoman/guitarist Brittany Howard announced her plans with a powerful opening salvo, saying, 'Hello, Austin, Texas. I'm gonna murder you,' before launching into set opener 'Hang Loose' at Wednesday night's (March 14) gig at Stubb's.

According to RollingStone.com, the Shakes shook through all the songs on their debut 'Boys & Girls,' save for two tunes, during their powerhouse set, which featured at least 2,000 attendees. Howard also made quite the impression, presenting herself as a force of nature, with critics baptizing her as a modern update of classic rock legend Janis Joplin.

The Stubb's gig was the first of many festival gigs that Alabama Shakes have lined up for the rest of the week at SXSW. If you're down that way, hanging and rocking in Austin, we recommend selling a pint of blood, severing a limb or making whatever sacrifice necessary in order to get into one of their gigs.

Alabama Shakes Setlist:
'Hang Loose'
'I Ain't the Same'
'Hold On'
'I Found You'
'Always Alright'
'Boys & Girls'
'Be Mine'
'Rise to the Sun'
'You Ain't Alone'
'Heavy Chevy'
'On Your Way'
'Heat Lightning'