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Album Review

The Black Keys
El Camino Nonesuch Records

Article written by Ged M - Dec 16, 2011

The Black Keys: El Camino

This is probably the most immediate album I’ve heard in a long time. Gone are the more earnest, authentic blues moves from their early albums and Peel sessions. In comes more hooks than the House of Fraser haberdashery department and a direct progression from electric openings to killer pop choruses. The Black Keys are still a two-piece officially but have been recorded very loud and with lots of additional bodies (including producer Brian Burton on keyboards) so the sound is an overwhelming wave of blues-pop when played at volume.

In most reviews, the reviewer picks out specific tracks to listen to. With El Camino, I’d say that only ‘Money Maker’ is distinctly average, while all the rest have to be heard. ‘Mind Eraser’ might be deep, dark and bluesy (though offset with vibrant pop tones) as you expected from this band but the variety of the rest of the record is what makes it so good, from the explosive Motown-y beat of ‘Dead and Gone’ to the stomping 70s glam-rock riff of ‘Sister’ and the reggae influence on ‘Hell of a Season’, all of which are delivered with an almost indecent attraction. And ‘Nova Baby’ is just pure majestic pop in the way it beckons you in with warm, catchy verses and then brains you with a killer chorus.

That combination of Black Keys and Dangermouse (who has co-writing credits on all songs, as well as being producer) has worked to create something that grasps you on first listen; I bought it as soon as I heard it being played in Rough Trade and haven’t stopped listening since. Whether it can retain that pop magnetism I’m not sure - in my general experience the instant albums lose their flavour quickest – but right now this is a great album to hear in its almost entirely and a clear sign that stadium-sized superstardom is on the bill for the duo.

Links:
http://www.theblackkeys.com/
http://www.nonesuch.com/artists/the-black-keys
http://www.myspace.com/theblackkeys