Tag: the black keys

The Black Keys are the kings of the low-fi garage rock boom. This is their second album, released in 2003. Their brand of dirty blues has given birth to a squillion copycats. Blues bands have this fuzzed up guitar sound wherever you go now. I prefer the band’s later releases as they have honed their sound more and are much more accessible.

It’s quite unique to see bands like this as there are not many electric duo’s out there with just guitar and drums. The one thing they have clued in on is you have to have a groove and swing to the music when it’s stripped back like this, and I think that’s why they appeal to me so much. The one track that that stands out above the rest is Set You Free, their raw blues groove really shines through.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

I’m not usually a fan of lo-fi music, but these guys seem to give me that itch I need to scratch. This album came out in 2019 after a five year gap. Again, it’s just the duo of Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney. The album contains 12 songs, nothing longer than 3.57 – that’s short and snappy and to the point.

I’m a huge fan of the blues, and this album is a groovy blues delight and is a superb record – plus I think it’s the best they have done. Quite a liberal use of the fuzz box – as you would expect – and it’s no coincidence that every man and his dog have done the same since the band became successful. It’s really tough to pick a favourite track as they are all quite different. I love the change in vibe from song to song, but if I’m pushed it would have to be Fire Walk With Me as I love the swing and groove, plus the Roy Orbison style vocals are just epic. A really cool band that make great records.

9/10 from The Grooveman.