Band of Brothers: The Black Keys
05/17/2010 09:38 AM
PHOTOS BY ANTWAN DUNCAN
One of the most important things to know about the Black Keys is that they are from Akron, Ohio, the unglamorous city best known for its rubber plants and the grime, sweat, and hard work that are their symbolic byproducts. The blues rock duo, who proudly titled their third album Rubber Factory several years ago, are the first to admit those geographical roots are central to their band's identity. "Growing up in Akron made us bitter," says singer Dan Auerbach. "But it also made us competitive and hard-working."
Over the course of six albums (and occasional side projects), the Black Keys have explored a primordial, sludgy style, soundtracks to so-called blue-collar anguish, human frustration, and hope at large. A million album sales later, the Keys are set to release Brothers (Nonesuch), an album named for the bond its troubled but rewarding creative process triggered. These new songs see the band achieve new levels of hybridity, as they skillfully incorporate elements of soul, psychedelia, and even hip-hop into their earthy sound.
Over the course of six albums (and occasional side projects), the Black Keys have explored a primordial, sludgy style, soundtracks to so-called blue-collar anguish, human frustration, and hope at large. A million album sales later, the Keys are set to release Brothers (Nonesuch), an album named for the bond its troubled but rewarding creative process triggered. These new songs see the band achieve new levels of hybridity, as they skillfully incorporate elements of soul, psychedelia, and even hip-hop into their earthy sound.
