The Black Keys - El Camino

4.0

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The Black Keys have long been champions of garage/blues rock – but have recently emerged as one of the hippest bands on the planet with the release of 2010 ‘Brothers’. Their songs could be heard everywhere; on video games, as TV shows theme songs; as well as being used in promotional ads for a major US sports team...read below for our review of El Camino.

On their latest offering, the duo chooses a slightly different path. Out goes the soulful vibe and in comes the grittier and groovier sound. It’s important to note that Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley fame) co-produced the album – helping create a very different style which manages to stay true to the duo’s influences. Each track on ‘El Camino’ is set to standout – providing a great deal of versatility and retaining a great deal of interest until the closing notes of ‘Mind Eraser’.

Opening track ‘Lonely Boy’ is the song you can start a party with. Bright, upbeat and very direct. The song’s entertaining (and viral) video is a winner and a fan favorite. ‘Dead and Gone’ takes it down a notch and demonstrates Dan Auerbach’s strong vocal range.

One of the album’s definite standouts is ‘Little Black Submarines’ – the vocals are a highlights on this track, along with a subdued combination of guitars and tambourine. The subtlety soon explodes into a beautiful chaos of seemingly every instrument the band is capable of playing.

What The Black Keys seem to do better than most bands out there, is an ability to create edgy tunes with dirty hooks without coming across as trying too hard - a thin line that is easily crossed. ‘El Camino’ is a great addition to The Black Keys' increasingly impressive collection.

The Black Keys - El Camino

Editor review

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