Akron, Ohio's Black Keys offer crunchy, riff-heavy blues-rock that is remarkably rich and textured, particularly when one considers that they are merely a duo. Continuing in the vein of their 2002 debut, The Big Come Up, this sophomore CD leavens their garage blues with enough innovation to keep things interesting, taking full advantage of Dan Auerbachs full-throated growl. Particularly appealing are "Hard Row," which lurks somewhere between Cream and punk rock, the strong stomp of "Everywhere I Go," and the irresistible guitar riff that graces "If You See Me." The Black Keys might be covering familiar territory, but they do it so well--and with so much invention--that one is inclined to yield it to them and see what they do with it. --Genevieve Williams
180 gram picture vinyl
Principally recorded at Studio 45, Akron, Ohio.
The Black Keys: Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar); Patrick Carney (drums).
2nd Album
Rolling Stone (4/17/03, p.103) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Ohio's Black Keys specialize in a sort of garage blues--abbreviated gasps of vocal hurt, feedback-y guitar and unhinged snares..." Q (01/01/04, p.76) - Ranked #31 in Q's "The 50 Best Albums of 2003" - "[A] sweaty, thrilling delight, with songs dipped in tar..." Mojo (Publisher) (01/01/04, p.56) - Ranked #40 in Mojo's "The Best of 2003" - "Like Free jamming with Jon Spencer, this is a gnarled, righteous triumph."
