The Black Keys at Alexandra Palace

Bluesy rock’n’roll pair The Black Keys are playing London’s favourite north London palace, the Ally Pally, tonight, and it’s a welcome return for the venue’s outdoor summer season. The duo have been through a bit recently – namely when their whole US tour was cancelled last year due to what they described as “poorly organised” management – but they’re back, and London’s more than ready for them.

As the sun sets on the city’s skyline behind them, the pair open with a few early favourites: Thickfreakness, The Breaks and I’ll Be Your Man. It’s fair to say they’ve veered towards a more universal sound on their recent records, opting for radio-friendly numbers over their typical scuzzy guitar tunes – but perhaps that’s understandable in today’s tricky climate.

Newer material is few and far between tonight, as the group treat us to a set bursting with golden oldies such as Your Touch, I Got Mine and even the sultry 2008 number Psychotic Girl. Dressed in a bright pink bowling shirt, Dan Auerbach seems to switch guitars for every number, while Patrick Carney continues to skilfully bash the hell out of his drum kit.

The Ohio twosome has such a rich back catalogue of hits, as well as lesser-known and under-appreciated tracks, and tonight’s gig showcases their breadth of talent perfectly. Even their new track No Rain, No Flowers sounds strong, and Auerbach noticeably comes to life when he plays it.

The band’s cover of Canned Heat’s 1968 classic On the Road Again is a welcome addition to the set, and for such a recognisable track, Auerbach really makes it his own.

As Auerbach and Carney return for the inevitable encore, we’re treated to El Camino’s powerful Little Black Submarines and the much-loved breakout Lonely Boy, which the crowd unanimously join in for. When it’s time for the duo to leave us, though, it feels a little too soon – but perhaps that’s just a sign of a great gig.

The Black Keys played their hearts out tonight with a setlist any true fan would be delighted with, reminding us why we love them. Although they might not be creating the same raw blues tunes they did ten or 20 years ago, tonight proves it’s still the sound they’re most comfortable playing.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events, visit The Black Keys’ website here.

Watch the video for Lonely Boy here: