No Longer Underdogs: The Black Keys

Entertainment 

By Mike Horsey  

Husky Herald Reporter

   They are anything, but an overnight sensation. It took ten long years for their success to slowly climb for ‘The Black Keys.’ Suddenly, with the release of their last two albums, ‘El Camino’ and ‘Brothers,’ they have become one of the hottest rock bands in the world.

   After their most recent album, ‘El Camino,’ which was released in 2011, they debuted as the 2^nd hottest album on the 'Billboard Top 200' list. They powered their way to win two Grammys and the hearts of MILLIONS for their hard blues, smooth rhythm, and brilliant compositions. It was so successful that after their tour schedule was released they had sold out back-to-back Madison Square Garden in less than fifteen minutes.

   One common thing someone that claims to be a ‘Black Keys’ aficionado at our school will almost always hear from other people, like Connor Stager (’16) say, “I have no clue who that band is.” However, the great thing is, even if you have never heard their name, almost everyone has heard their songs plastered in comedy movies, Victoria Secret commercials, and blasting in the background of sporting events.

   ‘The Black Keys’ consists of Dan Auerbach with an everyday trademark beard, who mans the vocals and the guitar in the band, and Patrick Carney who shreds the drums with his extremely silent persona and Buddy Holly type glasses. When you listen to these two men humbly speak about their music you realize they’re two quiet friends from the small town of Akron, Ohio who like to shake the entire world with a mountain of noise.

   Connecting in high school, Patrick and Dan have always shared their love in music. To start off, they began playing music in Patrick’s basement. Bailey Watson (’14) says “…Ever since I began listening to their music…I always thought they were a long shot, but they’re coming out from under.” There’s no doubt that the thought of a two man band from the basements of Ohio have always been placed low on the totem pole.

    From the guys’ first old fashion fan base building by touring in a van with no air, which is the picture on the front of the ‘El Camino’ album, to their wild success headlining around the world. We now wait, after three years, for the debut of their new album ‘Turn Blue.’ The world seems to be confident with the two kids from Akron, Ohio; however, one can only imagine that it’s still all syncing in for them. Regardless, ‘The Black Keys’ are not underdogs, anymore.