The Black Keys
Brothers
Nonesuch Records [2010]
On recent releases, The Black Keys edged away from their grinding garage-blues into something sleeker, experimenting with extra instruments and bringing DJ/producer Danger Mouse into the fold. Dan Auerbach’s solo detour reminded us what made the duo great, and Brothers brings that spirit roaring back—same grit, more finesse. It’s not as ear-splitting as the earliest records, but the soul is unmistakable from the foot-stomp of “Everlasting Light” onward, and the momentum never slips.
The thick strum and sly swagger of “Next Girl” is instantly addictive, while first single “Tighten Up” scorches with bluesy bounce and Auerbach’s unmistakable howl. By the time the instrumental “Black Mud” slides in, you’re sold. What makes Brothers land so hard is how the band uses the lessons from their recent experiments without losing their core punch. Slow burners like “Too Afraid to Love You” smolder, and the Jerry Butler cover “Never Gonna Give You Up” is a stunner. It’s a confident, lived-in record that sets its own pace, invites you along for the ride, and holds you there for an hour of blues-soaked satisfaction. This is The Black Keys at their best.
KEY TRACKS
“Tighten Up” / “Next Girl” / “Unknown Brother”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Robert Johnson / The Pack A.D. / Junior Kimbrough
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
