The Black Keys – « El Camino »

El Camino has been heavily anticipated after American rock duo, The Black Keys, seem to find fame last year with the release of the album, “Brothers”. The new work includes the massive track, ‘Lonely Boy’ which is already a huge attraction for fans, but with this being their seventh album release, have they still got it?

When the rift of, ‘Lonely Boy’ kicks in, it is pretty impossible not to nod along. The song has all the ingredients of being successful, with a variety of heavy, ruff guitar against light tingles mixed in between. With a sing-along chorus, it’s a great way to start the album. In a recent interview, the duo stated one of their key influences for the album were The Clash, and the intro to “Dead and Gone” instantly reminded me of Clash classic, “London Calling”. This song tells the tale of addiction and obsession over love, with a great 60’s beat over the chorus, which does not disappoint, even positioned after the popular “Lonely Boy”. The next track, “Gold On The Ceiling”, surprisingly sounds live, giving a great unpolished grit to the album. The vocals being so high combined with this unclean sound makes for clever production, and again, with another sing-along chorus, this may be the next song to be released as a single.

A favourite comes in the form of, ”Little Black Submarine”, with the beautiful lyrics, “Everyone knows a broken heart is blind”. More influences flood into mind from classic Cash tracks, ranging to more modern artists like Ray Lamontagne. With the song being so sweet and innocent, but then kicking in with their classic rock roots, which is laced with a nice guitar solo mid-way, it is a welcomed surprise. The duo seem to have a really good knack of being able to create simple yet effective riffs to instantly grasp the listener, and “Run Right Back” is no exception. This alternative love song on the surface may not sound too romantic, but the lyrics reflect quirky expressions of affection, “She’s the worst thing I’ve been addicted to”. You can feel the band taking a far more indie route through the sound of “Nova Baby”, and it works really well for them. This song feels like it will be a must-see live with punching drums and the 80s guitars across the verses. I also like the exploration of more a motown/swing sound in “Stop Stop”, it really feels like the band are exploring new sounds effectively.

Though this may be their seventh album, The Black Keys are refusing to just settle for a sound. They will always have their ruff, addictive riffs but coupled with something different that makes each track interesting and different. It seems the older the band get, being together since 2001 now, the more they delve into the history of music, and the more they learn from their influences, which is a great stance to have in not only improving on your own music, but in learning how to create the next big sound.

Tracklist :

01. Lonely Boy

02. Dead And Gone

03. Gold On The Ceiling

04. Little Black Submarines

05. Money Maker

06. Run Right Back

07. Sister

08. Hell Of A Season

09. Stop Stop

10. Nova Baby

11. Mind Eraser

Grace OGrady