Review: The Black Keys – “Brothers”

A handful of KCRW DJs – including Music Director Jason Bentley – have proclaimed TheBlack Keys’ new album “Brothers” their favorite of the moment. DJ Eric J Lawrence shares his thoughts on the blues-rock duo’s latest CD, which is out today:

Akron, Ohio-based duo The Black Keys return for their 6^th studio album, appropriately entitled Brothers. Appropriate in that while both members spent the past year working on outside projects (guitarist Dan Auerbach released a solo album, drummer Patrick Carney formed a new band called Drummer, and both players teamed up with numerous hip-hop luminaries for the one-off album, Blacroc), it is clear there is something familial when they come together as The Black Keys. Despite the skeletal arrangements of guitar/drums/vocals, Auerbach and Carney create a full sound that comes from the intuition of two players who know each other well. Tracks like “Tighten Up” (featuring production assistance from Danger Mouse) and “Howlin’ For You” start with a blues base, but move into something quite distinctive and contemporary. Join the Brotherhood and pick up the new album today.

Eric J. Lawrence