Alabama Shakes returns with their first studio album in over a decade. The band announces "I Must Be Dreaming," arriving August 28 through their partnership with a major label. The project marks a significant moment for the Alabama-based group, whose last release came in 2015 with "Sound and Color," the acclaimed follow-up to their breakthrough debut.

The 11-year gap between albums reflects the band's hiatus and the personal journeys of its members, particularly frontwoman Brittany Howard, who released solo work during the interim. Howard's 2019 solo album "Jagjaguwar" earned widespread critical praise and Grammy nominations, establishing her as a singular artistic voice beyond the band's soulful rock framework.

"I Must Be Dreaming" signals Alabama Shakes' full return to collaborative work. The album title itself invokes a dream-state consciousness, hinting at the band's continued exploration of emotion and introspection that defined their earlier catalog. The announcement builds anticipation within indie rock and soul music communities that have followed the band's trajectory since their 2012 emergence on the music landscape.

Alabama Shakes built their reputation on Howard's powerful vocals and the band's ability to blend rock, soul, and funk influences into a cohesive sound. Their early albums garnered multiple Grammy nominations and established them as one of the most compelling American bands of the 2010s. The extended silence raised questions about whether a full reunion would materialize, making the August release date a confirmation that the creative partnership remains alive.

The new album comes as the band prepares to reintroduce themselves to both longtime listeners and potentially new audiences who may have discovered Howard's solo work. Details about specific tracks, guest collaborators, or the sonic direction of "I Must Be Dreaming" remain limited, but the album's arrival represents a pivotal moment in the band's legacy and contemporary music landscape.