Black Keys’ “El Camino” another hit for the band
Unlocking their success in 2010, The Black Keys have become an alternative music staple, soaring to the top of music charts with its 2010 album “Brothers.”
On Dec. 2 the band released its second hit album, “El Camino”, in which the band-duo Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return to rock roots with rhythm, melody and blues alternative cords.
In their seventh album the Ohio bread band releases 11 new tracks about love, greed, heartbreak, money and identity. The upbeat tracks are distinctly different than other alternative music being released today with strong head-bob inducing rhythm and a vintage bluesy jazz feel. El Camino has no frills, but is just pure rock grit.
Staples of the new album are “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Loney Boy,” both with spunky new chords and an upbeat tempo begging listeners to pull out their imaginary guitar and rock out alongside the duo. “Little Black Submarine” stands aside from the other tracks with its acoustic beginning that leads into a heavy rock ending. “Stop Stop” tells the story of love with an evil side, weaving raw guitar lines in with bells to create a unique new track. Auerbach’s fuzzy guitar sound, matched with Carney’s unrefined drumming, is present more than ever in tracks like “Dead and Gone” and “Sister.”
The Black Keys have returned to primal rock fundamentals in this new album, steering away from the electric bluesy sound of their other albums, although those influences are still present. The band, produced by Danger Mouse, combines the rock sound of The White Stripes with the indie songwriter tones of Bon Iver. Songs like “Dead and Gone” remind listeners of bands like Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon, while the upbeat nature of “El Camino” strikes the same spirit as Mumford & Sons. Fans of El Camino will also like the dynamic beats and organic vocals of Broken Bells as well as the rock classics of Beck, both also produced by Danger Mouse.
In 2010, Brothers earned four Grammys for best rock song and best alternative album. The band was also named no.2 on Rolling Stone’s Best Album List, and was nominated for three Billboard music awards. The originality of “El Camino” and return to rock fundamentals makes it the best rock album of 2011, and sets the band up for more recognition in 2012.
