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HOT OFF THE PRESS – Keep It Hid by Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys)
It’s Wednesday, and that means it’s time for Nick Courtright’s weekly first glance at just-discovered music, whether it be just-released, just-leaked, or some long-lost gem that has remained under the radar. Click here for other recent editions of Hot Off the Press, featuring acts such as Animal Collective, Deerhunter, TV on the Radio, M. Ward, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Crystal Stilts, White Denim, and Grizzly Bear.
to be released February 10th on Nonesuch
Report Card: A-
Skeptics are sure to abound in regards to Dan Auerbach’s solo debut. After all, even many long-time Black Keys fans have had to admit that their favorite rust-covered two-piece had backed their sound into a corner the last couple albums—for those familiar with the band’s catalog, Magic Potion feels like it hardly happened, while enlisting Danger Mouse to helm Attack & Release felt a little like a desperate attempt to shake things up, regardless of the fact that that album saw the band achieve its widest notoriety yet. But really, when it comes down to it, there’s only so much you can do with one guitar and a drum kit, especially when you’ve established, as the Keys have, such a steady and immediately recognizable sound. With all this in mind, even an Akron native could look upon hometown hero Dan Auerbach’s first album minus Patrick Carney with a heaping helping of doubt, and at least a little concern that an Auerbach flop would signal the dusk of Ohio blues legitimacy altogether.
But then the Keep It Hid happens. After leading off somewhat inauspiciously, the album kicks into gear with the continuously enjoyable “I Want Some More,” a clattering, fuzzy, Doors-y joyride that plays best played loud, and it’s only then that it becomes clear that something more than a toss-off solo album is at hand. And really, it’s as if someone has blown new life into Auerbach, as the freedom to explore beyond the confines of the two-piece liberates him to return to what made him a talent in the first place: rugged vocals, entrancing guitar work, and an ability to write a memorable tune. Underneath it all, of course, remains the blues foundation, but Keep It Hid feels less slavishly bound to the form, giving the songs, including a few excellent ballads and the rollicking “Mean Monsoon,” room to find their way. In a sense, when asked about working on a solo album minus the heady-yet-narrow expectations of his day job, Auerbach said it best: “I just wanted to do the things I loved.”
While it remains to be seen how Auerbach’s liberation affects the future work of The Black Keys—truly, more than once it seemed almost criminal that Carney wasn’t manning the drums, especially during the raucous outro to one of the album’s best songs, “Whispered Words”—at the very least, fans of the band now have a new outlet for Auerbach’s soulful approach, and maybe Keep It Hid will discover a listenership among those who had already written off the band. And at the very best, maybe Auerbach’s newfound freedom will result in the best yet from the Keys. Either way, consider even the skeptics provided with sufficient reason to believe.
Listen to the entire album by Dan Auerbach here
“Trouble Weighs a Ton” (played with Auerbach’s uncle, who taught him how to play guitar)