Black Keys unlock passion

27th June 2008 - c/o Vicki Anderson - The Press
The Black Keys, consisting of Dan Auerbach (vocals and guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums and percussion), are a roaring powerhouse of a blues duo all the way from Akron, Ohio. The pair grew up together, went to school together, mowed lawns together and, together, found a collective musical soul that moves as one entity. To say that these guys are tight musicians is the understatement of the century.

They're touring in honour of their latest album, Attack and Release, their first recorded in a "real studio" and which was produced by Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse).

I guess the folk at the Civic are a little gun-shy about their trigger-happy fire alarms and were taking no chances with any errant "moisture" as smokers were herded out the front which is where I heard the first strains of the blues/dub track, Set You Free.

Entering the mostly packed venue I was greeted with the sight of Auerbach's ginger mane and beard being flung about all over the place as he wielded his guitar as if it was an extension of his body. Auerbach sings like he's possessed by something otherworldly; simultaneously conveying much fevered emotion and rocking out like a bearded pogo stick.

Carney alternated between ferocious, precise movements and slow languid ones on his second skins. They barely glanced at each other but were in complete synchronicity at all times. We sang Happy Birthday to a roadie celebrating his 40th and it was a sweet moment, as was Auerbach telling a boisterous dude up the front to move away.

The set was a nice mix of Thickfreakness, Rubber Factory, Magic Potion and Attack and Release. Returning for a two-song encore they exited the stage in a haze of blue after I Got Mine. Auerbach told the audience to "focus on going crazy".

Mission accomplished.

C/o The Press

www.myspace.com/theblackkeys