Friday 23/02/07 The Black Keys @ Academy 1, Manchester

The Black Keys are anything but timeless. Often described as such, these two Ohio lads exist in a perpetual time-warp, a portal provided by dated analogue techniques and juddering blues. Evidently it has stood them in good stead, headlining a sold-out Academy 1 is quite some feet for a blues rock duo rooted in soundtracking the Vietnam War, but then as a wise man once said “nam did have the best soundtrack.”
 
First up to soundtrack tonight are The Black Angels, who are breathtaking. A perfect amalgamation of drone psychedelia, reaching and often surpassing the greatest of their contemporary’s, The Warlocks, Brian Jonestone Massacre and the sonic pioneers Secret Machines to name a few. They’re dynamic, engaging and create an energy and sound Spector would weep at. A great find and definitely ones to watch.

The Black Keys latest offering ‘Magic Potion’ was met with mixed reception, Gigwise for one felt the melodic side of the Key’s was swayed by attempts at grandeur above their raw ethics, striving for a more extravagant Wolfmother sound. Tonight both Dan and Patrick sound and look fantastic, with each track sounding huge and gathering impetus through maniacal showmanship. But whilst the queues for the ‘Keys have increased, the intimacy and closeness that fuels such music is lacking tonight in the arena sized Academy. Where The White Stripes effortlessly make this transition The Black Keys somehow fail, which is a shame because this gig transposed to the Roadhouse would undoubtedly be amazing. ‘Strange Desire’ with its sharp guitar and noodling refrain is undoubtedly Magic Potion’s defining moment and tonight proves the boys are capable of massive things. Let’s just keep those massive things to smaller venues.