Stereoboard Tour of the Week – The Black Keys - Tickets Onsale 9am (Sept 16th)
Friday, 16 September 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
Since the break-up of The White Stripes earlier this year, the music world has certainly been missing the irresistible noise of their two-piece garage rock racket, which provided us with a glut of simple but satisfying tunes during much of the past decade. Fortunately, fellow Midwestern duo The Black Keys are back to replace the king and queen of guitar ’n’ drums blues-rock and to once again prove themselves as the definitive dukes of that particular niche genre.
Following last year’s release of the band’s sixth and most successful album to date, ‘Brothers’ – which, incidentally, earned the duo another of The White Stripes former posts by winning the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album, as well as two others – The Black Keys recently announced that they will be unveiling its successor at the tail-end of this year. Earlier this year, in an interview with SPIN Magazine, vocalist Dan Auerbach described the new album as “the fastest we’ve ever played” and cited The Clash and psychobilly legends The Cramps as influences.
However, judging by some of Auerbach’s previous descriptions of the band’s music, it may be wise to wait until the album appears before making any rash assumptions of its sound. In an interview with The Independent last year, shortly after the release of ‘Brothers’, the guitarist disputed the popularly-held belief that The Black Keys’ music is inspired by the blues, arguing that hip-hop is their main influence. “When I listen to our records, I don't hear blues music,” he said. “It's ridiculous to say we play blues music.”
To give the singer his due, this statement was made a year after the release of ‘Blackroc’, The Black Keys’ first – and downright brilliant – attempt at making a genuine hip-hop record. On that occasion, the group also set out to prove that they don’t do things by halves, handing all vocal duties over to hip-hop heavyweights like Mos Def, Q-Tip, Ludacris and several members of the Wu Tang Clan, including the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Anyone else that was impressed by the duo’s first foray into rap music will be pleased to learn that, in addition to the new Black Keys album, a second Blakroc release is also on the way, with Wiz Khalifa and Talib Kweli among the names of contributors.
Of course, Blakroc was not the only occasion that The Black Keys succeeded in proving their hip-hop credentials. Let’s not forget their work with influential producer Danger Mouse, who has been known for throwing the odd beat together himself and making it sound amazing. Cee Lo Green’s Gnarls Barkley partner produced the band’s previous two albums, including 2008’s ‘Attack & Release’, and is back for more on their latest offering. Another great reason to check out their forthcoming album.
Regardless of whether they play blues, hip-hop or anything else you’d care to compare them to, there’s no denying that The Black Keys make bloody good tunes. So when they’re over here in February to take the new album out on the road, there’s literally no good reason to give them a miss. Also, we’re sure they’ll be pleased to see you there. Just don’t compare them to The White Stripes…
The Black Keys UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri February 3rd 2012 - Capital FM Arena Nottingham, Nottingham
Sat February 4th 2012 - Corn Exchange Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Mon February 6th 2012 - O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester
Fri February 10th 2012 - Alexandra Palace, London
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