If you’re familiar with Brittany Howard’s genre-defying body of work, whether solo or with Alabama Shakes, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she has started a hardcore band. The band, known as Kumite, played their first show on January 12th at The Basement East in Nashville, Tennessee.
The band debuted at Brittany Howard’s Nashville Hardcore Benefit Show, along with Snooper, Inner Peace, and Second Spirit. All proceeds from the show were donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Launch Pad, and The Southern Movement Committee.
What does Kumite sound like, you ask? Thundering rage, like any good hardcore band should. According to an intrepid YouTuber, one of the songs the band played was “AM/PM” by American Nightmare. If there was any doubt as to whether Howard could scream, wail, and roar, it was put to rest by this performance.
While no concrete future plans for Kumite have been announced, Howard posted a note of gratitude on her Instagram page, thanking attendees for supporting the organizations the benefit show raised money for and ending with “until next time.” Fingers crossed for more Kumite fury in the near future!
