I’m not exactly Johnny on the Spot with this review, as it’s been at least a month since this album was released, but if you want my unique take on music, the wait will be well worth it.
I guess it’s official, the Black Keys are a for real fucking indie rock blues infused band that isn’t going anywhere. They have somehow retained their fresh approach to rock without trying too hard to tap too deeply into their blues roots. El Camino kicks a whole lot of ass and doesn’t experience the same pitfall that many blues rock bands do by trying to be the next Robert Johnson. The same organic feel every Black Keys album is present in El Camino along with gospel style kicking off the first few tracks of the album. Tracks 1 and 2, Lonely Boy and Dead and Gone respectively have a heavy dose of female backups which adds to the old timey blues feel of the album.
In keeping with the blues theme, the album has moments where it’s just Dan Auerbach and his guitar disarming the listener before bursting in with crashing drums much like tracks off Attack and Release. “Little Black Submarines” is reminiscent of All You Ever Wanted with its soft strumming and lament before a blindsided drum attack; pure beauty. Twang and effects blend perfectly during the middle of the album as listeners get a full scope of what indie blues rock whatever should sound like. Think of an element that many modern blues influenced rock bands present and realize that the El Camino has every single one on the same album; that’s how fucking good it is.
I could name every band that El Camino draws elements from, but in order to save time I’ll just say that the album is simply what rock should sound like. It’s pretty amazing that the follow up to their highly acclaimed Brothers could be so genuinely awesome, and I would be the first to pull the ‘their new shit sucks’, but even I am unable to say that.
After a bout of experimentation that worked beautifully, El Camino is a straightforward rock album that works perfectly. Carney and Auerbach have been revered as some of the best rock musicians of the current time and even the biggest snob would have a difficult time arguing the point.
The only way I could see someone having a problem with this album is comparing it to other Black Keys albums. El Camino as I said before is straightforward rock, and those used to their more edgy endeavors may find the sound a bit more mainstream. If you are one of those people it may be wise to think of El Camino as an individual album and not an extension of older works.
Perfect for indie kids and their dads alike, the Keys have added yet another solid album to their discography. From start to finish, (which ends on an extremely fucking gritty high note with a track called “Mind Eraser”) El Camino is the perfect release for those who may have forgotten what rock and roll should sound like.
