Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Rock Dose

The Rock Dose

Black Keys rock All Points West

Posted: 04 Aug 2009 06:30 PM PDT

Tens of thousands braved the torrential rains and ensuing mud-lakes to bring in the third day of music at All Points West Music Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey this past Sunday. Among other acts to entertain the soaking wet festival goers was Akron, Ohio’s famous blues-rock duo, the Black Keys.20090417_mkh_m78_787.jpg

Clearly, this blogger is just using this recent show date as an excuse to call attention to a band that has quickly become one of America’s most respected acts. The stripped-down, two-man lineup of Dan Auerbach on guitar/vocals and Patrick Carney on the drums produces a no-holds-barred, rough and ready sound that is anything but austere.

Carney’s drums are nothing short of a powerful explosion, filling out a barbaric string of rhythms that lends a frantic heartbeat to the band’s bluesy approach. Auerbach’s guitar playing is more like a full-on textural assault as he veritably flogs his Jerry Donahue Telecaster, provoking tones that are a testament to the time he has logged on his instrument. But it’s Auerbach’s vocals that garnish this powerful music with a throaty and whiskey-soaked emotion. If you haven’t already, check this band out. Well worth the listen.

Photo: ZUMA Press

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