Muscle Shoals-inspired, Athens, Alabama-based quartet Alabama Shakes formed in 2009 around the talents of Brittany Howard, Zac Cockrell, Steve Johnson, and Heath Fogg. Originally simply called the Shakes, the band’s not-so-subtle blend of fiery blues-rock and hard-hitting Southern soul has drawn comparisons to the Black Keys, the Drive-By Truckers, the Detroit Cobras, and even Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The band released an eponymous debut EP in September 2011, with plans to record a full-length album later in the year. 2012's Boys & Girls was produced and mixed by the band at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville.