Kate is a self-proclaimed music aficionado and Philly scenester who grew up on the Beatles, has dabbled in all things indie and is now dedicated to supporting and promoting the best local acts around town. Here, she'll shed light on hot shows, must-have albums and artists to watch in the city o' brotherly love.

Music That Rocks, In All the Right Keys

The Black Keys sound like music that was created in 1964. In fact, rumor has it that the band's sophomore album, Thickfreakness, was recorded using minimal equipment in just 14 hours in drummer Patrick Carney's basement. (The Kingsmen's "Louie Louie" was recorded under similar circumstances nearly 40 years earlier.)

What makes this band so impressive though is not its lo-fi recording techniques or ability to craft killer rock songs. Rather, we love the Black Keys because this band rocks louder and harder than any band we know--and with only two members! Guitarist Dan Auerbach and Carney make up the Keys, known for bluesy rock songs and rollicking live shows. Undeniably captivating, the duo has transformed clubs and stadiums alike into a hardcore melange of energy and passion.

Since debuting in 2001 the band has won nothing but praise from high profile sources such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and musicians like Robert Plant, Thom Yorke, Billy Gibbons and Kirk Hammett.

Check out footage of the band performing live on Letterman less than a month ago, and catch them yourself this Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m. at the Electric Factory. For tickets, visit TicketMaster.com.


Photo by Pieter M. Van Hattem, courtesy of Epitaph Records