Black Keys turn listeners blue with excitement

Recently released album features variety of engaging songs

Isaac Greenwood

Once again the indie rock duo the Black Keys have impressed critics and listeners alike with their latest funky and alternative album, “Turn Blue.”

Following hit albums “Brothers” and “El Camino,” released in 2010 and 2011 respectively, the Black Keys have solidified their formula for success by combining psychedelic beats with groovy and emotional lyrics. The duo, comprised solely of drummer Patrick Carney and guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach, tends to stress issues of love, sorrow and hardship, giving their songs a blues-like sound when mixed with the energetic yet mellow instrumentals.

“Turn Blue” improves this style, and each of its 11 songs evokes a different emotional response within the listener, such as the upbeat and hopeful “Fever” or nostalgic “Gotta Get Away.” Additionally, the album is produced by Danger Mouse, the DJ involved in Gnarles Barkley and Broken Bells, adding a level of intensity and connection to “Turn Blue.”

Additionally, “Turn Blue” features psychedelic and groovy tunes of previous albums, with Carney’s blues-like vocals and various instruments ranging from repeating bass to the occasional tambourine. Although each song elicits a unique mood and feeling, Auerbach remains the sole source of vocals in the album, making some songs hard to differentiate from others.

Nonetheless, “Turn Blue” is a perfect album to welcome the onset of summer with and reminisce on the end of the school, sure to amaze listeners like its illusory and encapturing cover art does.