Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Believe The Black Keys Buzz...

The Black Keys @ Royal Oak Music Theatre: Concert Review (4/15/08)

From the moment the screen raised to reveal a giant tire backdrop on stage, we all knew The Black Keys came to the Motor City to burn some rubber. While this Akron band continues it's steady ascent to the top, their talent makes a guy proud to be from the state of Ohio (that's me y'all). The sold out crowd of 1,750 at Royal Oak Music Theatre was treated to a sonic stress test that featured a strong mix from their entire catalouge. They are currently touring to support their latest album Attack and Release,...and that is exactly what they did...full attack mode.

A Black Keys performance is exactly what rock 'n roll is about. Drummer Patrick Carney's thunder paired with Dan Auerbach's lightning on the guitar...what more can you ask for? Patrick's drums thumped on Thickfreakness with all the intensity of a Godzilla stomp. And Dan repeatedly warms up his guitar and slowly builds the drama as the beat reaches a crescendo...then as you might suspect the rumble and buzz erupt like a hornet's nest or a gunpowder explosion.

Patrick had a stuffed tiger under his drum set...pictured below. (is that considered a "Kit Cat"?) Not sure what that was all about, maybe a nod to Detroit Tiger fans or even the album title...funny, nonetheless. This night happened to be the drummer's birthday...but he actually gave the fans the gift. Side note, for those that didn't notice, Patrick cracked a drum stick in half on the very first beat of 10 A.M. Automatic. I may buy some stock in drumsticks...cuz as long as this band is around THERE WILL BE BROKEN STICKS & the need for more!!! Intense energy here...spontaneous combustion!

I gotta mention the fact that my buddy Mock (& his connections) hooked me up with the VIP treatment at this show. He has known Patrick Carney's step-mom (Katie) & dad (Jim) for years. We all drove up to the show for a great evening of music. It was great to spend time with them and take in the "backstage" experience...many thanks for including me in on the fun. Rock 'n Roll never really acknowledges the parents of all this talent (it just wouldn't be hip, right?)...but they do play a part. It was cool to see...gotta be some proud moments, especially watching a duo like Patrick & Dan doing it the right way...and having some fun along the way. Catch this band as soon as you can...they have hit their stride.

Royal Oak Set List 4/15/08
Same Old Thing
Everywhere I Go
Set You Free
Thickfreakness
Stack Shot Billy
Here I Am As I Always Am
Busted
Your Touch
You're the one
Girl Is On My Mind
I Got Mine
Remember When (side b)
10 A.M. Automatic
Psychotic Girl
Strange Times
Encore...
Oceans and Streams (Dan on the keyboard)
Til I Get My Way
*setlist was pieced together from forums...order may be incorrect.



The Kit after the beat down!


Go Tigers!


Curiosity killed the cat.


Sorry, wasn't able to get any action shots of the performance.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

great show indeed, i thought the giant tire was a nice touch too haha

9:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Katie is actually Pat's stepmom.

:)

"Hello Cleveland!"

1:07 PM  

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