Rubber Factory is The Black keys third full-length album after Thickfreakness. The Black Keys are a duo from Northeast Ohio and are simply a modern day exponent of blues rock, bringing old ideas and motifs into modern alternative music.
The Black Keys is:
Dan Auerbach - guitar and vocals
Patrick Carney - drums
They make a lot of sound for a two-piece band comparable to the White Stripes but definitely not as popular. Here is my track by track analysis.
01 - When the Lights Go Out
A suitable introduction to Rubber Factory which showcases their raw and thick sound. It begins with Patrick’s thick bass drums pounding with Dan slurring in his throaty voice. A very repetitive song with Dan’s blues guitar line being the only stand out of the raw and slightly dull sound. 2.5/5
02 - 10AM Automatic
The best song on the album it contains amazingly simple yet amazing riff from Dan which begins almost straight away. As one of the fastest and upbeat songs on the album it is probably their best song. Dan’s lyrics "What about the night / Makes you change / From so sweet / To deranged?" fit nicely. 5/5
03 - Just Couldn't Tie Me Down
This track begins with a nice catchy riff followed by an awesome dum beat. It’s a very good rocker but not up to track 2’s standard. A very average song for The Black Keys. 3/5
04 - All Hands Against His Own
This one sounds just like track 3 except a different guitar riff. Dan’s vocals don’t help much. Very so-so song. 2.5/5
05 - The Desperate Man
The second most upbeat song apart from 10AM Automatic with another incredible guitar riff and a bouncy rhythm and fitting vocals that does the album justice. 4/5
06 - Girl is On My Mind
Very solid but average song, nothing incredible. 2/5
07 - The Lengths
A nice soft song after those 6 tracks of blues energy. Dan’s vocals are slower and softer which sounds a lot better. Definitely a stand out track. 5/5
08 - Grown So Ugly
A very fun and upbeat song with an awesome riff that accompanies Dan’s humourous vocals. One of the better songs on Rubber Factory. 4/5
09 - Act Nice and Gentle
A softer and folky song which I found very boring and dull, definitely worth skipping. 1/5
10 - Aeroplane Blues
Average song but nothing compared to track 2 and 5, by this time the album isn’t worth it. 2/5
11 - Keep Me
Another average song very catchy riff. 3/5
12 - Till I Get My Way
A good track which generally sums up the album and sounds more like the first few songs. 4/5
Stand out tracks:
10AM Automatic
The Desperate Man
The Lengths
This album isn’t as captivating as Thickfreakness which has a wider feel and contains great songs like 'Hard Row' and 'Set You Free' (Dan's guitar definitely sounds more crunchy and distorted). The album keeps a consistant sound which is good but their music seems dull and unflavoured after the excitement of the first half of the album. The first few songs are very good but after halfway it gets boring and repetitive. I’d recommend this for someone who enjoyed Thickfreakness or someone who likes good old blues lo-fi sounding music.
