Debut solo album from the Alabama Shakes' front woman, Brittany Howard. Howard seems to have wasted no time since the release of the Alabama Shakes' highly lauded album, Sound and Color. The dust has hardly been allowed to settle since we first heard it and now Howard is back with ten rocking tracks as Thunderbitch. The thrid track pretty much bares it all with its repeating refrain of "I Just Wanna Rock and Roll." Garage rock and punk are the order of the day and Howard puts her own southern twist on the proceedings. She's joined by members of Nashville based projects Fly Golden Eagle and Clear Plastic Masks, and they deliver the crunch and power in just the right amounts. What makes it all come together so well is Howard herself. Her grand presence lifts Thunderbitch above the crowded field of garage rock pretenders. Includes the songs: "Leather Jacket," "I Don't Care," "Wild Child," and "My Baby Is My Guitar." Ten tracks in all. Limited edition self released album housed in a gatefold sleeve, includes download code.

• gatefold sleeve
• includes download code
• music label: Thunderbitch 2015

reviewed by shaken not stirred 10/2015