Peaches!

The Black Keys are, by now, a household name. Forming in Ohio in the early 2000s, the duo released their first album in 2002. Following this, the band earned their first record deal with Fat Possum records. After this, they would spend the next decade slowly building a name for themselves, releasing more records and honing their craft. In 2010, they really hit the big leagues, winning multiple Grammys with their single, “Tighten Up”. This would only inspire them, as they would go on the release many more popular tracks, including what is arguably their magnum opus, Lonely Boy, which, again, won multiple Grammys.

In recent years, the band has continued with their strong musical work ethic. Between tours and events, they brought out many more albums. While maybe not always in the front and centre of pop culture, they would make a name for themselves as a dedicated, hard working duo that made consistently good music.

Peaches – Album Production

In February of this year, the Black Keys released a cover of a George Thorogood song, “You Got To Lose”, an indication of where this album was going. The album was written in large part by the band itself, aside from the cover songs. The pair was also heavily involved by the production and mixing of the album. The album is set to be released under the label Easy Eye Sound and Warner Records.

“Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire”

The first song one this album sets the tone perfect. The guitar kicks off the sound, like a mission statement. With a punchy riff, we’re informed that we’re in for a treat with this one. The shaker adds a nice bit of texture while the rest of the percussion, alongside the bass, sets a nice, steady tempo we can lock on to. The drums signal the rest of the band to join in.

We’re treated to a great sounding, sharp riff, with the vocals matching that energy. Head bobbing to this track is almost involuntary. The guitar, loaded with fuzz, just feels full and rounded. The vocals aren’t in focus here, instead mainly adding to the overall sound. The guitar has this great ability to punctuate the vocals, making the whole track feel very in sync. Towards the end, we slow down and the song ends back where we started, stripped down to a great core.

“Stop arguing over me”

“Stop Arguing Over Me” picks up where “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire left” off. We get a similar energy and tempo, though with a slightly more punchy guitar tone. It really feels like the album was recorded in one session, the way the songs run on from one another. The sharp lead here really cuts through the backing, making you appreciate the deliberateness of the guitarwork. Wielded with absolute competence, a guitar like this can easily take center stage. Here, the guitar begins to follow the vocals, playing off one another. This, again, indicates a level of comfort and competence which makes the whole listening experience more cohesive. The sound, to me, was somewhat reminiscent of ZZ Top.

Fireman Ring The Bell

This song launches straight in with a classic bluesy, rocky intro. The riff instantly sets the tone while the drums and bass prop the sound up. I found the lead guitar style almost Rory Gallagher–esque (that’s a compliment). The guitar sound is broad but controlled, letting the sound ring, but reigning it in when needed. A quarter of the way into the song, it is joined by the fantastic vocals, also in a bluesy tone.

The band, especially for this album, wear their blues influences on their sleeves. While the song is almost 6 minutes long, it doesn’t drag its feet. A nice, heavy, deliberate riff keeps us engaged and the vocals take the guitars lead. Something about this track feels familiar. Not plagiarised, but an homage to the genre itself.

Conclusion

If its not clear already, I dig this album. I had listened to The Black Keys in the past, of course, they’re everywhere. After listening to this album, I really see what this band have to offer and will be taking a deeper look at what they’re done in the past.