By now, even subgenres of music have subgenres. The disappearance of a mainstream relevant to many listeners’ tastes necessitates this, I suppose, but who can keep track? So it comes as a relief when someone can say something simple about the music they make: “People misunderstand the word ‘Soul’ and think it’s just a genre of music, but it’s a feeling. When you pour every ounce of feeling into your music, that’s soul music.” That’s drummer Steve Johnson of the Alabama Shakes getting to the point. One could attempt to categorize this band in wordier, pseudo-ethnomusicological terms, but it would be foolishness. One thing can be said without risk of argument: the music they make is quintessentially American. Singer Brittany Howard’s voice may be reminiscent of Sam Cooke or Janis Joplin at moments, but is entirely her own. One has merely to watch her sing “You Ain’t Alone” to understand: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HxNtWEIKhQ. They’ll be playing Seattle’s Crocodile Cafe January 31st. Their four song EP is available for download at alabamashakes.bandcamp.com/

-Caleb Thompson