By Corey Vikser
Staff Writer
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is an axiom that warns the dangers of messing with perfection, and with a Grammy-winning reputation to uphold, one would assume The Black Keys would stick with its style. But in its newest work, the duo decided to experiment.
Despite a clichéd emphasis on romantic lyrics, “Turn Blue” is an experimental success. By shying away from The Black Keys’ previous works and exploring slower tempos and elaborate melodies, all complemented by psychedelic sounds, “Turn Blue” is not only the group’s most diverse album, it is also one of the band’s best.
The Black Keys is a Los Angeles-based rock duo, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerback and Patrick Carney (drums), whose music blends genres, like blues and garage rock, to make innovative hybrid sounds. The artists first gained recognition in 2010 with their sixth studio album, ‘Brothers,” which consists of chart-topping singles like “Tighten Up.” After releasing the well-recieved album “El Camino” the next year, the duo went on hiatus.
“Turn Blue,” as The Black Keys’ eighth album, takes a massive step away from the upbeat, energetic tone of 2011’s “El Camino” and rather roots itself in slow tempos and moody vocals. Coming off of a two-and-a-half year break, The Black Keys returns with a much more mature, artistically-driven record that intellectually pleases.
For instance, the record completely avoids “radio tracks,” catchy, high-tempo songs geared with the goal of cracking the Billboard charts, such as previous songs by the duo like “Lonely Boy” and “Howlin’ for You.” Avoiding conventional commercial nature by taking the more experimental route, the duo explores a much more personal work.
Long-time fans will be extremely pleased as the album represents the group’s true creative side. However, the casual alternative listener might be driven away, as emotion and substance pervade “Turn Blue.”
Another unique twist in “Turn Blue” is its psychedelic vibes. Tracks like “Bullet in the Brain,” “Waiting on Words” and “Turn Blue” are some of the most evident of this influence as they all incorporate slow beats and somber vocals to create a psychologically distressed tone. The melodies are also abstract and layered, tapering and non-linear, instead of the group’s usual easily-digestible alternative-rock style.
However, not all of the album is purely original, as the clichéd topic of romance is the central theme for the majority of the tracks. For instance, the album starts off with the seven-minute “Weight of Love,” a track in which the lyrics soley focus on romance, unfortunately setting the theme for the rest of the album. “10 Lovers’ is another of the love-centric tracks, and although the pace of the song is different, it still focuses on the tired topic.
Despite this repetitive and clichéd tone, the purposefully drawn out and slow use of instrumentals displays a sense of heartbreak, redeeming such uninspired lyrics.
While imperfect, “Turn Blue” still impresses with its abstract artistry. The album is a change of pace from The Black Keys’ previous albums and steps away from the commercial sounds that drove the duo to fame.
“Turn Blue” was released on May 9, and is available digitally and in retail starting at $9.99.
Leave a Reply