The Black Keys: “Brothers”

I used to have a blog where I would share what I was listening to with anyone who happened to come across it. Though this was essentially no one, I still loved nothing more than talking about my current favorite records. I forget most of the posts that I wrote, but I distinctly remember writing about Attack & Release, The Black Keys’ 2008 album. I said something to effect of “I don’t know if I’ll be able to listen to anything else for quite a long time.” Now, only two years later, I have a similar feeling towards Brothers.

The Black Keys are a blues-rock duo hailing from Akron, Ohio – a working stiff town with mostly new wave, post-rock, and metal artists as notables. But finally Akron is showing some soul. Brothers is an aesthetically polished album with its roots in the dirty, frustrated longing that only the blues can rightfully convey.

“Everlasting Light” is the album’s first track, and it transmits the aching for love that blues artists have always sung about. The beat thumps out while lead singer Dan Auerbach sings with a controlled whine, “Let me be your everlasting light” over and over again. The track ends with a crescendo of distortion, leaving listeners in a state of angst.

Then, “Next Girl” starts with some subtle background noise and seemingly unobtrusive guitar. But that doesn’t last long. Guitars and the driving drum beat kick in, transforming any angst into a declaration of freedom from a past lover.

The Keys have mastered tone, something that is crucial to being a good band, whether your songs are good or not. “Howlin’ For You” is perfect blend of heavy tremolo, static guitar fuzz, vocal distortion, all with drums at the backbone.

Brothers is a collection of dualities. Songs like “The Only One” and “I’m Not the One” stem from different perspectives. This is much like the band’s sound. Every track is on the brink of exploding but is always reigned in into one cohesive landscape of sound. This is thanks to Auerbach, (drummer/producer) Patrick Carney, and Danger Mouse, who all act as the album’s producers.

It should be recognized that The Black Keys are truly original not only in their portrayal of blues and rock but also in their songs’ origins. Only one song on Brothers (“Never Give You Up” written by Jerry Butler and the songwriting legends Gamble & Huff) is a cover. This is unorthodox for a blues band, seeing as most blues musicians rely heavily on staple songs that have been around since the beginning of the genre.

Songs range from middle fingers to people who hurt you, on your knees pleading with a lost lover, or sharing feelings of endless adoration – but what they all have in common is the rough and beautiful soul of the band. Brothers is today’s interpretation of the blues. It is not only a nod to the way blues has been done in the past but also a look forward at what the genre can offer in the future. It is a fantastic album and one that will most definitely be on my list of 2010 favorites.