The Black Keys: Brothers - Reviewed!

4/5.
The first thing that struck me about this album was the cover sleeve. Sounds a rather obvious statement as this is generally one's first impression when looking at an album. The striking design, however shows exactly what I mean.

The message is rather simple and a kind of geek's approach to humorous album design.

The musical content is rather typical Black Keys territory. Mainly blues based rock with catchy riffs, rasping, blue-note, passionate vocals worked into some fine tunes. Opening track Every Lasting Light is a perfect example of this. Next girl is similar in style and by the end of that I was hoping for something slightly different. Tighten Up, the third track gives a bit of respite. A fantastic riff, breaks in style throughout and a more spacey feel on production give the track a unique and cool identity.

The group have made a good album here, it has to be said. Obvious comparison with the work of Jack White can be drawn, but this is no bad thing. She's Long Gone conjures up Led Zeppelin images and also of what Robert Johnson may have sounded like in today's world.

One of the best albums I've heard this year so far and a credit to the band.