Someone should consider bringing the Black Keys up on charges of robbery. It seems that the duo from Akron, Ohio has stolen a certain individual’s soul and identity. I won’t mention who this individual is but will only say that he may want to press charges as soon as possible before they take over his place at the top of the blues hierarchal pyramid. But more importantly, he should take notes on how The Black Keys followed up their buzz-worthy 2002 release The Big Come Up.
The Black Keys is comprised of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, two soul infused performers ready to raise the bar of the current sound of garage rock. Raw, bluesy, and raunchy rock and roll is their game, and this is perfectly exemplified on their latest album, Thickfreakness. While the White Stripes and many other bands are slowly rolling downhill, The Black Keys have served up another plate of hot steamy soul, with a side dish of raw, natural blues.
Thickfreakness follows directly behind The Big Come Up, improving on all aspects of the record. Firstly, Auerbach’s rootsy, rustic vocals are tighter and bolder. Secondly, the production is considerably more unblemished. Thridly, The Black Keys show us their ability to rock. Catchy, melodic and powerful riffs with a cornucopia of hooks blended with pounding, rhythmic beats demonstrates that The Black Keys have worked harder at crafting their sound and prove their loyalty to it.
Follow up albums are often difficult to create. With Thickfreakness, The Black Keys have successfully emerged as contenders of the best garage-blues rock title by continuing to build on the groundwork established from their previous album release. The record is not perfect but shows us how a band can improve without escaping the realm of its sound. They are ready to rock and roll for you and have proven that this sound can still be fresh and inviting. Thickfreakness is possibly the best vessel needed for The Black Keys to promote and support this phenomenon called garage-blues rock. The genre has become diluted due to its overwhelming popularity and The Black Keys have brought it back to where it belongs. Thickfreakness is the bearing of soul, not the new red and white uniforms. 1.Thickfreakness
2.Hard row
3.Set you free
4.Midnight in her eyes
5.Have love will travel
6.Hurt like mine
7.Everywhere I go
8.No trust
9.If you see me
10.Hold me in your arms
11.I cry alone
More about: The Black Keys
