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A triumphant return
The Black Keys deliver the goods
By Audrey Posl
Their new sound intermingled flawlessly with their older hits, forging a well-balanced set of laid-back blues jams, hard and heavy rock-outs and soulful crooning free of bells and whistles, just guitar and drums.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been here,” said Dan Auerbach, lead singer and guitarist for the Black Keys Friday at Turner Hall Ballroom, “Sorry about that.” The crowd cheered, clearly elated that the blues rock duo made their long-awaited return to Milwaukee.
The night began with Houseguest, a pop rock band from the Keys’ own stomping grounds, Akron, Ohio. Signed under Audio Eagle Records, which was founded by Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, Houseguest expressed the same easy-going mentality and Americana feel as later would their headliner, yet also infused with more formulaic alt-rock beats and melodies. Showing a little local love, Houseguest’s lead singer, Theodore Mallison, cradled a Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boy, bellowing incomprehensible lyrics as the rest of the 5-piece rocked out energetically. Houseguest proved a pleasing, logical choice for an opener, but pent-up fan excitement and the sheer gravitas of the Black Keys ended up being enough to overshadow them.
As anticipated, as the lights went down, the fanatical crowd pushed hard for the stage. The first notes from Auerbach’s guitar and the beats from Carney’s drumming were deep and intense. Indicative of the duo’s tightly knit style, Carney’s drum kit was situated close to Auerbach, who strummed away freely on his sweet Flying V guitar.
The two played a number of songs from their most recent album, “Attack and Release,” a bit of a departure from their typically self-produced and less polished style, owing largely to their collaboration with hip-hop producer Danger Mouse, along with experimentation in cleaner recording and a heavier rock influence over blues. Their new sound intermingled flawlessly with their older hits, forging a well balanced set of laid-back blues jams, hard and heavy rock-outs and soulful crooning free of bells and whistles, just guitar and drums.
The Black Keys seem to be a band that attracts people from all points of the musical spectrum. College hipsters, young professionals, baby boomers, the urban, suburban and rural could all be found at Friday’s show. Their fresh take on classic blues and modern rock, often gritty and organic, while also endlessly soulful and rhythmic, easily provides a little something for everyone.
During “Strange Times” and many other songs, people were stomping and jumping so hard the floor of Turner Hall began bowing and bouncing. Relentless fans and newcomers alike admired the spot-on beats and the perfect twisting and turning melodies. The two rocked pretty hard. Before ending, Auerbach promised a return visit to the city. Hopefully, they won’t make Milwaukee fans wait so long this time.
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