The Black Keys stampeded into the Kia Forum and tore the place down with their ferocious brand of Akron, Ohio rock ‘n’ roll last Saturday night.
Earlier this year, the duo released the 11th studio album of their accomplished career. Their sound has evolved over the years, but this album still retains the sleazy blues foundation that made them so popular over the past 20 years.
The setlist on Saturday night consisted of mostly tracks from their most popular album – 2010’s Brothers. That record had hit after hit after hit, all of which made the setlist. “Everlasting Light”, “Howlin’ for You”, and “Tighten Up” were all monsters in 2010 and remained a part of popular culture for the next decade. Because of this, it sounded just as fresh as ever when Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney played the familiar first notes.
Elsewhere in the setlist, the Keys covered R.L. Burnside, John Fahey, and more. They also played a couple tracks of their new album, a few off of 2011’s El Camino, and other singles from across their career.
True to their fashion, the stage setup was no-frills, no-bullshit. The emphasis was on the music, and that’s it. That was just fine by the 17,000+ in attendance.
After departing the stage, the duo returned to play two of their most popular tacks – “Little Black Submarines” and “Lonely Boy”. These two tracks encapsulate what makes the Keys as appealing as they are. Fantastic vocals? Check. Eruption of sound? Check. Anthemic choruses? Check. It was all there and if this show is any indication, these two have no intention of stopping.
There are a few more dates on The Black Keys tour that you can find on their website here. For photos from the show, see below.
Photos + Review by Andrew Ameter | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!