mfreter@Mavs.coloradomesa.edu

In today’s ever-expanding music scene, artists of all genres are endlessly searching for the “it factor” to incorporate into their music that will separate them from the crowd. Because of the increasing demand to have a unique sound, musicians are beginning to turn off their microphones and turn on their computers to help them sell records. Whether it is the vocal synthesizers in hip-hop, the sound effects added to rock music, or the computer-programmed chaos that is Dubstep, original recordings are becoming a thing of the past.

However, not all artists are following this trend. The Black Keys, a rock duo hailing from Akron, Ohio, have been going against the norm by keeping their beats steady, their melodies simple, and their choruses catchy. Guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney have been captivating audiences for over a decade with their fundamental sound and original recordings. Other than the occasional background singers in the chorus, there aren’t any fillers or production studio sound effects in their tracks. Auerbach and Carney also keep their lyrics very simple, but are able to convey stories of love or broken hearts in a meaningful way. Needless to say, they have found their own “it factor” and continue to show it to the world with their seventh installment, “El Camino”.

The band’s newest album, released on Dec 6 showcases 11 brand new tracks with the same style that fans have come to know and love. They are able to take the various troubles the two have encountered in past relationships and turn them into musical therapy. For example, their first single, “Lonely Boy”, (I’m a lonely boy/I’ve got a love that keeps on waiting”), and “Little Black Submarine” (I should’ve seen it glow/but everybody knows that a broken heart is blind”) tell stories of emptiness and heartbreak that makes you sympathize with them. Do not fear though, the whole album is not entirely heartache lyrics. The band also rocks out to songs of sugar mamas (“Hey my my she’s a money maker/hey my my she’s gonna take ya”) and undeniable seductresses (“You’re wound up like a weapon/you’ve got an evil streak/they told me to stay away/but I was much too weak”).

Perhaps the biggest key to their success is that their songs are fun to listen to. Their up-beat tempos, creative guitar riffs and sing-along choruses remind you how excited music can make you feel. The Black Keys have taken the rock scene by storm simply by doing what they love.

That is what music is all about.