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Album Review

The Black Keys – “Magic Potion”

The Black Keys are back with a new album and with a new label. There may be a hint of newness about the band, but the sound is still the same old fashioned noise. Typical of their lo-fi sound, The Black Keys do not dissapoint and Dan Auerbach has possibly got an even better sound with him now and some of the riffs…

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The Black Keys are back with a new album and with a new label. There may be a hint of newness about the band, but the sound is still the same old fashioned noise. Typical of their lo-fi sound, The Black Keys do not dissapoint and Dan Auerbach has possibly got an even better sound with him now and some of the riffs he has made are nothing short of magical. His voice is very bluesy along with his guitar work and it fits together like a gem. Patrick Carney’s drums are nothing compared to Dan’s guitar but are still powerful and sublime. They do seem to fade a little, but nevertheless, the sound is brilliant.

Their fans are probably going to hunt me and down and kill me for saying this, but The Black Keys sound remarkably like The White Stripes. Similarities consist of both being two-piece bands, producing lo-fi sounds, amazing chunky guitar riffs and simple, but effective drumming. The only difference is the amount of mainstream activity the two bands have had. The Black Keys have not quite made it as high as The White Stripes. Reasons why? Well, I think The White Stripes probably have that slight more commercial pop hook in their songs. Who do I prefer? The Black Keys! The reason why is that EVERY song is just simply brilliant. There are no half-finished songs or half hearted attempts at making songs. Simply, riff, drums, vocals and rock. The only downside is that on the first few listens the album does seem to just be the same type of song through and through.

However there are high points to this album. The fairly successful single called “Your Touch” is highly addictive and is easy to see why it had some success. The chunky guitar is masterfully handled by Dan with fantastic finger work and slides down the strings which add to the rhythmic drumming.

The great thing about The Black Keys is they are a fantastic live band, unlike many of today’s bands. There is so much energy in the room when they play for a two-piece band. Magic Potion does great favours for them. It could almost be seen as a live record as the energy and rawness on the CD is just mind-blowing.

You like the White Stripes? Buy this album. You like energetic, raw and just mind-blowing guitar work? Buy this album. It’s quite simple really. If you like shiny, plastic recordings of My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, don’t come near this album. It’s almost like a step back in time this album. The lo-fi recordings can only be loved by those who appreciate the old fashioned sound. The great thing is, it’s so simple! Guitar. Drums. Vocals. No bass, no rhythm guitar, no back up vocals. Just a man with a guitar and a man with some sticks. Brilliant, just brilliant!  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Just Got To Be
02. Your Touch
03. You’re The One
04. Just A Little Heat
05. Give Your Heart Away
06. Strange Desire
07. Modern Times
08. The Flame
09. Goodbye Babylon
10. Black Door
11. Elevator

Run Time: 42:07
Release Date: 2006

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