The Black Keys

The night before Zane Lowe had played their single "Have Love will Travel" on the radio and I thought they were a four piece. He interviewed them and it turned out there was just the two of them singer Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney.

So Friday we arrived early at the Carling Stage to watch their brand Ohio based blues crossed with phat funk beats. As they were the only American two piece to be playing. The other pairing to which comparisons have been made - The White Stripes wouldn't be here to scrutinise the resemblances.

The partnership which take the stage are never gonna be pin-ups but they sure can play heavy heady rollicking stuff. Dan has an ability to wrap the audience mesmerized in his guitar playing as he throws himself around the stage all the while caressing his raw edged, peeling varnish Harmony axe.

He can play blues backwards and I'm suddenly comparing him to Jimmy Hendrix and finding this freakery doesn't fall short. The crowd are moving now as Patrick thrashes out beats and clever fills at breakneck speed. How old is this guy to attain punk rock fusion with classic focus? He must have sold his soul at the crossroads cos he's only 21! His handling of the skins is impeccable and the rough blues riffing of 22 year old bearded Dan, who used to sleep on legendary James "T-Model" Ford's floor in Mississippi while he learned his craft in the juke joints, should be hurting our ears but his rhythm and melody is still hold a stamp of classic Muddy Waters and the Delta blues. This is hypnotic and earthy, full of sweat, hair and cigarette smoke.



At the time I only knew the one tune but they play most of their second LP Thickfreakness. Now cranked up Dan goes almost into a fit as he shudders on his back and growls out the words and it's like watching Eric Clapton in Cream crossed with Shane MacGowan and it's the best blues I've ever heard live. By the end the crowd know they've witnessed true musicians who have all the hallmarks of the greats.

I really hope they return to these shores as I love the White Stripes, but red and white have been painted black! The devil has given them all the secrets in Chrissy Hinde's hometown of Akron, Ohio it's dirty, burning ambience, black to the bone and absolutely brilliant. Reading 2003 has surpassed itself!

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