About twenty years ago, veteran bluesman T Model Ford summoned a writer across a Calgary hotel lobby to emphatically declare that he puts his foot through the floor. That sentiment came to mind during The Black Keys' performance at Rogers Place on Wednesday night. While it remains unclear whether Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney actually broke through the stage, the attempt was certainly made, and that is what matters.
A Return to Form on the Peaches 'n Kream Tour
Currently making their way across Canada, the two-piece band—drummer Patrick Carney and guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach—blasted through a selection of tracks augmented by keys, percussion, second guitar, and bass. Critics have hailed this tour as a return to stripped-down form, and there is truth to that assessment, even with the additional musicians. The staging was simple, featuring only a sign spelling out the band name in glowing light bulbs behind them. Chatter was kept to a minimum, and attention was paid to mid-career hits.
Highlights from the Set
By the second song, the crowd was on its feet, propelled by the deep, subconscious Gary Glitter-isms of Gold on the Ceiling. Their fuzzed-out take on Earl Hooker's You Got to Lose—from their latest release, Peaches!—kept the energy high, prompting some seat dancing. The propulsive, new wave-tinged Fever followed, while Everlasting Light changed things up with Auerbach crooning like Curtis Mayfield over an irresistibly funky rhythm.
The Black Keys are often slotted as a riffy garage-blues outfit, one of the few survivors of the early 2000s indie two-piece explosion. However, they dance on several musical precipices at once, occasionally veering close to becoming a real-life Blueshammer but never fully succumbing. Their feet don't quite go through the floor, but they are not lightly tapping either.
Memorable Moments
Other wonderful moments included swathes of the crowd cheering during an Auerbach solo that tilted toward Steve Cropper at a time when arena shows often demand Eddie Van Halen-style pyrotechnics. The congas on Lo/Hi, the whistling on Tighten Up, a groovy take on Dr. Feelgood's She Does It Right, and a quick snippet of Question Mark & the Mysterians' organ added extra flavour.
The band could easily slide into their hit-single era, but they are mixing up the set list from show to show, a sign of a band that refuses to get complacent. Two decades into their career, they continue to challenge themselves. This is evident in the music they play before hitting the stage, including The Stooges' Down in the Street—a song you would not want on the sound system before your opening number unless you have some stomp in your soul.
With opener Jeremie Albino, the show was a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll. The Black Keys proved they are still raring to put their foot through the floor.
