The Black Keys you may not know the name but you undoubtedly will know the songs. They have been featured in adverts, Top Gear and song 'Chop and Change' even features on a Twilight soundtrack alongside the support act Band of Skulls.
I will admit I am not a huge fan I have their albums Brothers (2010) and El Campino (2011) and love their rocky edge.
If you have heard any of their songs you will recognise the deep and delightful tones of the lead singer, which is just mesmerising, so when my boyfriend told me they were touring and he had tickets I was looking forward to experiencing their unique blend of soul and rock live.
Made up of only two members Dan plays guitar and supplies vocals and Patrick is the drummer, but on tour have a bass and keyboard player.
I have never been to Alexandra Palace before but was amazed by how big it was and how much was on offer inside, loads of vans serving food and loads of toilets and bars so you never really had to queue.
I had been told that the sound quality wasn't always great, and when I got in there I could see why.
Where they were perform was a very big space with high ceilings, the sound would just get lost, however, when the support act, Band of Skulls, and the main band came on I was pleasantly surprised - the sound quality was not distorted or muffled but loud and clear.
Before I go on to The Black Keys I have to comment about Band of Skulls. A British band of two guys and a girl they have a White Stripes feel to them but at times a lot more guitar heavy and rocky. We were given free LPs and it was brilliant.
The Black Keys came out all guns blazing with just an phenomenal sound echoing around the room it was just brilliant. And Dan's voice is just...I wouldn't say beautiful but the quality and everything it just fantastic, quite sexy.
At one point the band were left to their own devices just Patrick and Dan, now you would think that the songs would lose a bit of an edge just a guitar and drums but you would be surprised. It was louder and more gritty and just rocked the room out.
The encore was just amazing, they came out to sing 'Everlasting Love' but a toned version, with a huge glitter ball spreading thousands of stars over the vast ceiling. At first I didn't realise which song it was as it was so melodic and quite romantic, perfect in the run up to Valentines day.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this gig. The crowd were more active than I thought they would be and so were the band. Dan's voice was probably more perfect in person than on CD and the guitars and drums heavier and more instant.
If you have the opportunity to see The Black Keys do so you will not be disappointed.
Set list:
Howlin' for You
Next Girl
Run Right Back
Same Old Thing
Dead and Gone
Gold on the Ceiling
Thickfreakness
Girl Is On My Mind
I'll Be Your Man
Your Touch
Little Black Submarines
Money Maker
Strange Times
Chop and Change
Nova Baby
Ten Cent Pistol
Tighten Up
Lonely Boy
Encore:
Everlasting Light
She's Long Gone
I Got Mine
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