The Black Keys are no overnight success story, however it’s clearly been the reaction to El Camino that sees thousands sell out Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Hands down, Pat Carney and Dan Auerbach are ineffable in their ability to create raucous, yet groove-inspired, rock and blues. Their combined talents evident on every release and tonight’s performance reiterates the musical understanding they’ve long shared.
An enthusiastic BT (Love Police Touring) brings forth the duo from “Akron, Ohio and other parts” (namely Nashville). A stroll to centre stage they’ve done on 98 previous occasions this year and before we know it, the infectious grit and grind of Howlin’ For You has the crowd sold. Next Girl, Run Right Back and Same Old Thing deploy in a flurry, demonstrating an intention to share many of their career highlights.
Pat’s riser sits front of stage, the striped kit somewhat unorthodox, floor tom left of snare, allowing Carney to emphasise the swagger and swing of their tunes. Production for the sweeping outdoor amphitheatre is big and luscious, boosted by stellar lighting and visuals. The duo have enlisted a bass player and keys/guitar to emulate how the songs are truly written and recorded. Dead And Gone and Gold On The Ceiling making the most of the arrangement. While Girl Is On My Mind sees the duo handle duties alone.
It’s a treat to see Auerbach thumbing bass lines while still soloing the high notes. He’s proficiency is impressive; distorted, chunky chords fuzz effortlessly. He bops and hops from riser to front row spending little time schmoozing the audience, preferring instead to hum and howl his way through love struck blues.
Little Black Submarines on National guitar, sincere and energetic, an exquisite example of their versatility. A song of two halves (musically speaking) breathes all the fire and heartache that love can offer. It leads into another of El Camino’s real gems in Money Maker, lifting the tempo again and swinging hips in the process.
Everlasting Light kicks off the two track encore in style. Hand claps and floor toms create the perfect shoulder for Auerbach’s swooning falsetto. I Got Mine rounding off a no-nonsense, well executed set that seems to cover all the bases. Perhaps the relentless touring has The Black Keys somewhat zapped, or the pure fact that a big stage event now leaves little room for spontaneous jams. The Music Bowl can host some epic events indeed, though one wonders if the intensity created in the confines of a club setting leaves audiences a little more in awe. For fans of The Black Keys it was no doubt a sensation. For fans of live music it was solid.
BY JOHN DONALDSON
LOVED: Little Black Submarine.
HATED: Beggars can’t be choosers.
DRANK: A Cornetto.
