Black Keys - Chulahoma Album Review

The Black Keys
Chulahoma
Fat Possum
Album Review

The Black Keys have had astonishing success as 'the rather cooler, rather dirtier and rather funkier White Stripes', and this album continues their evolution at pace. A duo, comprising singer-guitarist and Animal-like drummer, they here interpret the songs of the late Junior Kimbrough, following their contribution to his tribute album, Sunday Nights. And what a dirty, soulful and bluesy piece of work it is. With funked up grungey blues guitar sliding in and out of the mix, a voice that brings Paul Rodgers, Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters to mind, Chulahoma is a treat from start to finish. In an age when studio production can add endless layers of perfection, it is wonderful to hear one no-frills album where the spirit of punk-blues is kept unpolished and gritty. Characterful, sweaty, raw and delicious, this is a great sign that the duo are maintaining a wonderfully single-minded course.

Rating 9/10

Mike Rea

9-10 Essential purchase
7-8 Good, definite buy if you've liked this artist in the past
5-6 OK only, don't say I didn't warn you
3-4 Poor, even for this artist
1-2 Awful