Sonic Wonderland

Contrast and compare time: The Black Keys before and after Blakroc and the whole Danger Mouse experience. Before, while there is no denying moments of great virtuosity and epicness were ever present, the two Akron natives seemed to be among the bands to get mentioned but not remembered by many. They even seemed a bit dusty at times. Working with people like Mos Def and Danger Mouse probably brought out a desire to diversify the sound.

And so it is, the self-produced Brothers (well, except Tighten Up that was produced by Danger Mouse) sees The Black Keys as a band hungry for more, one that knows how to make ever old Southern rhythm sound impeccably fresh. It starts off with the T.Rex-scented Everlasting Light and its incredible falsettos and sultry riffs and keeps delivering until the heart-warming slow piece These Days.

Sure, lyrics about wayward women and dirty riffs make sure you don’t forget for a second this is The Black Keys we are talking about. But it’s delightful to hear the guys do new things and do them so well. There are so many great moments of the album, we know we’d never be done talking about them. The grimy riff of Howlin’ For You, the Motown vibe of the wonderfully covered Never Gonna Give You Up. The way they take on 70s Southern rock guitars and put to shame the classics. The detached and eerie vocals of Too Afraid To Love You that makes one thing the guys have listened to too much Amy Winehouse. Sonic wonderland this is.

“The Black Keys got so much soul” goes a line on Blakroc’s Dollaz & Sense. And, Lord, is it true! Soul, rhythm and a new album that should be turn them into rock superstars.