The debut solo effort from Black Keys singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach contains thirteen songs written while the band was working on and touring in support of last year’s magnificent Attack & Release. While psychedelia and soul influences merely peeked out from behind the corners on Attack & Release, they move their way into plain sight on Keep It Hid. The straight forward garage blues that characterized the early days of the Black Keys are gone and is replaced with the kind of refined sound that defines an evolving band. The songs that comprised Attack & Release and Keep It Hid reflect Auerbach’s growth as a songwriter and as a musician, likely stimulated through his production work with Radio Moscow and Jessica Lea Mayfield, as well as through working with Danger Mouse. Similarities between Attack & Release and Keep It Hid do not end with influence. The addition of supplemental instruments to the Black Key’s gradually staling song structures brought a refreshing breeze after 2006’s decidedly bland Magic Potion. Above all else, it is the use of keyboard that makes Keep It Hid uniquely distinct from the Black Keys. The addition of the keyboard to Auerbach’s songwriting lends his songs an eerie or ghostly quality that makes them distinguishable from early Black Keys songs. It is not surprising that Auerbach decided to take advantage of additional instruments on this album. Not only does it continue the textures explored in Attack & Release but it almost makes up for the lack of Patrick Carney’s drumming, a significant part of the Black Keys’ appeal. Without the inclusion of the keyboard and other additions such as vocal harmonies recorded by guest vocalists, Keep It Hid would merely sound like a weak, watered down version of the Black Keys.
The opening track “Trouble Weighs a Ton” shows Auerbach trying out his folk legs. Simple acoustic guitar strumming accompanies Auerbach’s voice but whether by habit or by choice his lyrics cannot escape the blues: “What’s wrong, dear brother / Have you lost your faith / Don’t you remember a better place?” Immediately following the slow acoustic opening, Auerbach lets loose the electric on “I Want Some More” and coupled with the constant, pulsating organ in the background, results in a song oozing with psychedelia. Despite all the new influences and experimentation on Keep It Hid, Auerbach hasn’t lost his magic fingers. The heartfelt solo in the middle of the album’s title track tugs at your heart and soul; it ranks among Auerbach’s best. The riff that drives “The Prowl” echoes the crunchy tones that popularized the Black Keys in their early days.
Much of Keep It Hid shows Auerbach moving away from the traditional blues rock blueprint that we have come to expect from him. The use of slow tempos and stripped down instruments on many songs highlight Auerbach’s often overlooked songwriting. Auerbach pulls out the acoustic for some finger picking on “When the Night Comes” and plays around with some strange effects on the segue track “Because I Should”. “Real Desire” is the best example of non-traditional blues rock instruments at work on Keep It Hid through the electronic drum beat intro and the repeating organ riff which furnishes the song with a soul-like quality. Auerbach emits a Black Crowes / Chris Robinson vibe on the song both through the outro guitar solo and the way in which he sings.
Auerbach shows off his chops by playing most of the instruments on the album, recruiting some friends and family to fill in the gaps. Auerbach’s uncle, James Quine, supplies vocal harmonies and guitar on standout track “Street Walkin’”. Jessica Lea Mayfield, whose album With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt was produced by Auerbach last year, lends her pipes on “When the Night Comes” and Bob Cesare picks up the drum sticks for “Whispered Words”. The album was recorded at Auerbach’s own studio, Akron Analog.
Although comparisons to the Black Keys are inevitable (try listening to the intros of thickfreakness’ “Hurt Like Mine” and Keep It Hid’s “The Prowl”), Dan Auerbach demonstrates that he can hold his own without band mate Patrick Carney when it comes to the softer side of the blues. However, while Auerbach tries to mirror the rawness of the Black Keys, he falls short, lacking the heartbeat that Carney provides. Songs like “I Want Some More” or “Heartbroken, In Disrepair” are timid compared to what they could have been with the addition of Carney’s drumming. Whether or not Keep It Hid is merely an experiment for Auerbach, an exploration of his various influences, or if it is a sign of what is to come from the Black Keys remains to be seen. Those looking for more of the crunchy rawness found on thickfreakness or Rubber Factory won’t find it here. What you will find is a collection of songs from an often underrated songwriter that draw influence from the blues, psychedelia and soul. While not an amazing record, Keep It Hid is a solid listen and will likely entertain those who enjoyed Attack & Release.
Track List
1 . Trouble Weighs a Ton (2:19)
2. I Want Some More (3:49)
3. Heartbroken, In Disrepair (3:21)
4. Because I Should (0:53)
5. Whispered Words (Pretty Lies) (4:06)
6. Real Desire (4:25)
7. When the Night Comes (4:11)
8. Mean Monsoon (3:47)
9. The Prowl (3:17)
10. Keep It Hid (3:41)
11. My Last Mistake (3:14)
12. When I Left the Room (4:01)
13. Street Walkin' (4:39)
14. Goin' Home (4:56)
