CD reviews: The Black Keys – Brothers

A few years ago, it wouldn’t have been out of line to assume The Black Keys would continue tilling their furrow of garage blues, refining the solid stompers they seem to dig up so effortlessly.

But the Keys took an unexpected left on 2008′s Attack and Release, employing so-hot-right-now producer Danger Mouse for a touch of funk. Blackroc, a garage/hip-hop collaboration, was expected even less.

Neither worked, but neither flopped per se. By purposely moving away from their comfort zone the Black Keys demonstrated a willingness to broaden their sonic palate, adding instrumentation such as organs, keys and found sound instead of their standard drums and guitar arrangement.

On Brother the band synthesise their increasingly disparate influences more successfully.

‘Next Girl’ follows the hard-out rock formula that made the band’s name, but subverts the sound as subtle sampling whistles between the Keys’ trademark fuzz.

Tracks like ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ demonstrate a genuine affection for Motown, deftly drawing lines between funk and the blues. Also on show is Dan Auerbach’s unselfconscious falsetto, which he wears surprisingly well.

It’s the most cleanly produced effort by the band, roomy and clear compared to their earlier albums, which bulged with grit and distortion.
Certainly the best Black Keys record yet, Brother will please longtime fans and turn on a couple of new converts, too. TG

Music: 4

Sound: 3 1/2