Brothers
Artist: The Black Keys
Label: Shock
Website: theblackkeys.com
Best album The Black Keys have released in years
On their last several releases The Black Keys seemed to distance themselves from their grinding blues garage rock in favor of a more refined sound that found them experimenting with different instruments and working with DJ/producer Danger Mouse. It wasn't until Dan Auerbach's excellent solo record last year did we start to see the Black Keys we know and love.
Well many fans will be flocking to their sixth album, Brothers, because it is somewhat a return to their early form with the only difference being maturity. Their sound is still more polished here and may not be as in your ear with volume but their true soul pours out right from the beginning foot stomping beats of "Everlasting Lights" and just keeps on rolling. The thick guitar strum in "Next Girl" is infectious, while first single "Tighten Up" scorches out the blues rock with Auerbach's recognizable howl in full effect. By the time you hit the bluesed up instrumental "Black Mud", you are already sold on the goods The Black Keys are offering.
Song after song, The Black Keys hit you with a cool swagger that keeps your interest and makes you excited for what is next. What makes Brothers such a home run is that The Black Keys still utilize their recent musical education but now apply it to a sound that is a better fit. The refreshed vibe comes off during slow grinders like "Too Afraid To Love You" and even more so on the cover of Jerry Butler's "Never Gonna Give You Up" that is superb.
This maturity translates into a record that sets its own pace, invites you to get on board, and lets you get off anytime you want through its dazzling hour of blues sophistication. This is what The Black Keys are all about!
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note