The Black Keys

Turn Blue
The Black Keys
Nonesuch Records

The Black Keys continue to evolve and morph into something new and different, yet, they somehow still stay linked to what they were before. They are a unique beast in that they have managed to change the shape of their sound, yet they remain anchored to what they were. It’s also fascinating to see, and hear, how just two musicians have generated such raw musical power and energy and coupled it with an inventive nature that refuses to remain stagnant. Guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney are these two musicians and together they are the Black Keys.

Turn Blue is the eighth album by the Black Keys. It comes twelve years after they emerged on the scene with their debut, The Big Come Up. Once again, the Black Keys chose to work with producer and collaborator Brian Burton, a.k.a. Danger Mouse. With Burton at their side, the band has been able to stretch and grow musically, and that development continues with Turn Blue.

The album is a natural progression for the Keys, as their music grows a bit more texturally and sonically and becomes a little more expansive and psychedelic. The (black) key to what makes Turn Blue work is Auerbach and Carney’s ability to combine this rich musical pallette with an irresistibly catchy, hook-filled pop sensibility.

Turn Blue wastes little time making an impression. The album’s opening track, “Weight Of Love,” is a nearly seven-minute epic masterpiece built around a slow-burning, psychedelic vibe punctuated by the blistering guitar of Dan Auerbach. With this stunning beginning, the stage has been set for the listener to turn on to Turn Blue.

Hear Carmel Holt's conversation with Dan Auerbach about Turn Blue in the FUV Vault.