The Black Keys: Thickfreakness

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

In a White Stripes world, yet more two-piece bands playing garage-band blues risks a frightening spectre: global picket-lines of bass players.

Yes, there would be trouble with the spelling on the placards, and it would be hard to get them all to come in at the same time on the chanting.

But as Ohio's Black Keys' second album seems to say: who needs 'em? Especially when you've got this much grit and cool swagger. Guitarist-singer Dan Auerbach's thumb does nicely for the low notes while busy drummer Patrick Carney would seem to have no problems in the propulsion department.

Thickfreakness is the Ohio duo's second album, but their first for left-field blues label Fat Possum. Across 11 tracks, Auerbach certainly sings like he woke up this mornin' feeling mighty bad (oh yes he woke up this mornin' feelin' mighty bad) or that he's been up all night working out how to get all that spidery guitar work down.

The louder, fuzzier-toned numbers (the title track, Set You Free, Have Love Will Travel) can tend towards Hendrix, but there's the unhurried Hold Me In Your Arms and a cover of Junior Kimbrough's Everywhere I Go that delivers fireworks of a slower fuse but no less impressive flame. The uniformity of the songs can make it something of a slog, but the raw energy on display sure compensates.

Label: Fat Possum/Shock