The Black Keys - Brothers

Hailing from Akron, OH The Black Keys are back with their latest studio effort, Brothers. The follow up to 2008's Attack and Release finds the duo continuing to expand their musical horizons with a blues rock infused effort that hits you immediately when you hit play on your CD player, and is by far one of the best discs of the year.

The disc kicks off with "Everlasting Light" a melodic, blues inspired effort that shows off lead vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach's smooth and prominent vocals which guide the song to heights never thought possible with drummer/producer Pat Carney making sure the song arrives at its final destination. "Next Girl" is a ethereal, sonic delight dripping with enriched melodies and abundant instrumentation all throughout that is a solid track all around. The disc's first single, "Tighten Up" is a catchy, laid back tune that is the perfect track to familiarize yourself with The Black Keys if you haven't been acquainted with their music previously. "Howlin' For You" is my favorite song off the album and contains a catchy "da-da-da-da-da" chorus that will have you humming the song for hours on end after hearing it.

As we head into the core of the disc, we hear "Black Mud", a short and sweet 2 minute instrumental jam that provides for a nice interlude and easy transition into the album's later tracks. "The Only One" is a beautiful, serene track that best highlights Dan's soulful and passionate voice which coupled with the awesome instrumentation throughout, provides for an enjoyable listen. "Too Afraid To Love You" is a haunting and powerful track that features some exquisite keyboard work that contributes to the dark and raw nature of the song. "Sinister Kid" is a fine, aesthetically pleasing track that features 60's inspired guitar riffs and Pat's finely tuned skills on the drums.

As we get ready to close out the album we hear "I'm Not The One", a blues inspired rocker that dims the lights low a bit and brings down the energy to a romantic tempo. "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a Motown inspired jam that continues to bring out the low key energy found on the previous track and transfers it over to this track. "These Days" closes out the album in grand style with a mellow, blues infused ditty that wonderfully encapsulates the blues inspired feel of the whole album that is wonderful from start to finish. Pretty much everything is perfect on the album, right down to the cover art on the album which just features a block of text saying "This is an album by The Black Keys, The name of this album is Brothers." with "These are the names of the songs on the album." printed above the track listing and "These are the guys in the band." printed above a picture of the duo. An absolutely brilliant cover art design which articulates the message of the album so clearly and beautifully.

All in all, a marvelous and splendid effort here from The Black Keys who have crafted the best album of their career and the best album of the year so far. If you weren't in the know about The Black Keys before hearing this album, you definitely will after hearing this album. Highly recommended! Buy this album now!

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Everlasting Light
2. Next Girl
3. Tighten Up
4. Howlin' For You
5. She's Long Gone
6. Black Mud
7. The Only One
8. Too Afraid To Love You
9. Ten Cent Pistol
10. Sinister Kid
11. The Go Getter
12. I'm Not the One
13. Unknown Brother
14. Never Gonna Give You Up
15. These Days