Dan Auerbach
(Nonesuch)
You would think there wouldn't be much reason for Black Keys' singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach to make a solo album. After all, he's the Keys' main songwriter and only has to work with one other member to bring his tunes to life. And in truth, there isn't much difference between Keep It Hid and a Black Keys album. Auerbach isn't going off in any new directions - this isn't his disco or ambient noise album.
What it is, is a quieter record, with elements of soul and country added into the blues-rock the Keys are known for. It also features a full band, making it another step in the expansion of Auerbach's sound that started with the overdubs on the Danger Mouse-produced Attack & Release. But Auerbach has never been about forging new paths. And whatever Keep It Hid lacks in terms of surprise, it more than makes up for in solid songs and guitar work. Sometimes there's something to be said for dependability.
Standout Tracks: "I Want Some More" "When the Night Comes" HAL BIENSTOCK
