The Black Keys in the Studio

Last year, the world discovered what modern rock lovers thirsting for the glory days already knew: The Black Keys are freakin’ awesome.  After eight years, the two-piece electric blues band struck mainstream gold with their sixth studio album, Brothers.  Suddenly, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney were the talk of the town, winning three Grammys and performing live all over Late Show Land and at a number of famous festivals.

Now, Auerbach and Carney have finished another album. Black Keys die-hards like me will welcome the next Keys album into their expansive collection, but new fans may see the upcoming release, expected later this year, as a “follow-up” to Brothers.  So the question remains: Will the Keys, who very recently emerged from their tour van into the rockstar fantasy land of high-def music videos, be able to hold onto their new-found success?

The Black Keys with their Grammys

Well, fans hoping for more of the same might be disappointed.  In an interview with SPIN, singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach said, “The new album doesn’t sound like Brothers. It doesn’t have that open soul feel to it. It’s way more driving and the tempos are really fast…It’s the fastest we’ve ever played.”

Auerbach told SPIN the sound for the new record was inspired by The Clash and the Cramps.  Interesting touchstones for a band that has consistently created fuzzy, sometimes sleepy, sometimes jammed-out blues.  Are the Black Keys going all punk rock at the moment least expected?

Probably not.  With a helping hand once again from Danger Mouse, who produced Brothers and 2008′s Attack & Release, it seems like the boys will be getting the polished treatment once  more, the dirty (gleeful) distortion of albums like Rubber Factory left behind.

And good riddance.  That clean sound has made the Keys radio-friendly, and I can’t help but love it.  Every time I see Auerbach and Carney glowing in the spotlight of yet another feature article, show, or radio station, it puts a smile on my face.  The Black Keys have managed to become one of the biggest bands in rock, joining duos like the White Stripes and The Kills at the top of the pile.  All of these bands prove that a big sound and bigger impression can be made with just four hands, two instruments, and a microphone.

Yet, something about The Black Keys, more than the other twosomes, screams mellow.  The boys have spent their years in the trenches, and they seem to have completely enjoyed them (check out their Fresh Air interview if you doubt it).  Whether or not their next album is met with acclaim or disappointment, I’m sure it will be a solid release, heavy with the Keys’ trademark sound and even more characteristic attitude.

While we’re waiting, listen to the Keys cover Buddy Holly’s “Dearest” from the new compilation album below: