The Black Keys/ Brothers

“It sounded really @#$%ing weird—better, but weirder than any record we’ve made.” —Pat Carney of The Black Keys (Matt Sullivan, Esquire Online)

As soon as the baseline drops in “Everlasting Light,” you know you’re hooked. This is the album you’ve been waiting for, my friends. This is The Black Keys highly anticipated 2010 release, Brothers. Within the 15-track album lies a blues-rawk homage complete with authentic “vinyl” cover.

From their introduction in 2002 with The Big Come Up, this dynamic duo has riffed and rattled their way into the favorable collections of fans worldwide. The band consists of guitarist/singer Dan Auderbach, and drummer/pianist Pat Carney.

Much like your middle school lunch person, these guys make you line up. And most assured, Dan and Pat serve up a heaping spoonful of funk and soul in every track.

The album begins with the sweet and syrupy “Everlasting Light.” This sing-a-long stays soulful while inviting you, inviting everyone, in. Dan slurs and grinds his way over the track, with Pat thumping alongside, always adding to—but never, ever, never overpowering—the vocals.

Then, and then... “Tighten Up”: a funkadelic, Chinese-blues, garage-blend; something palpable for all those looking to dance it up or nod it out. This is the stuff that made my momma dance. This is the stuff of a good night.

Oh goodness…and then…and then, “Too Afraid to Love You,” a baroque-inspired piece. Imagine, a love song Dracula composed for his beloved (See The Love Below—Andre 3000).

And then, sirs and slurs…we meet an interesting twist. Our loveable protagonists have a bit of a bad streak. “Sinister Kid,” a real sneaker-kid head thumper, heavy on the reverb and heavenly with the base, followed by, most appropriately for us real folks, “The Go Getter.” An underlying tone following in the vein of Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusherman,” this song will ring true to all those underbellies out there.

Here’s honesty, guys. Therein lie the Keys.

Personally, as a Black Keys fan and listener for years….years…I have to say that Brothers may not be the most edgy or the most raw, but it is the most honest; honest in its intent to prove that these guys are a voice. A bridge for the gap between what was and what is.

Lemme just say, Muddy Waters would be proud….damn proud.

A.M rating: 4 shots of espresso outta 5.