The Black Keys and The Morning Benders are quite contrasting bands. One bring the light beachy sounds reminiscent of the past while the other brings a dirty soulful rock. I was surprised to see that they were paired to be playing the same show together. The Morning Benders first caught my attention with their second, more recent release Big Echo. Their studio work is absolutely incredible, however, I feel like their live show was striving to be too rock influenced and not enough of that airy beachy sound I hear from the albums. I look forward to seeing them headline on their next tour through Chicago later this year.
As for The Black Keys, I knew we were all in for a treat as I entered the venue seeing signs of caution warning us that the show was going to contain intense strobe lights. I also caught wind that the band brought their own old school tube amps to ensure their signature sound was achieved. The addition of the bass and keys in their latter years definitely rounds out the sound for the live shows. I was happy to see that the original duo were still prepared to open things up by themselves.
DATE: Saturday, August 7, 2010
PHOTOGRAPHY and REVIEW BY: Brendan Shanley ( @lostinprint )
