For Dan Auerbach, there is no hiding
Paradise, Boston, March 1, 2009
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
The musical world is littered with band members who tried doing it on their own apart from the band that brought them to notoriety. Mick Jagger never did so much without the Stones. It's just not the same for the fans. Among the latest to forge their own way is Dan Auerbach, one-half of the bluesy duo The Black Keys.
If Auerbach's headlining stint at the sold-out club was any indication, he should have no problems doing his own thing when apart from drummer/producer Patrick Carney of The Black Keys.
The Keys occupy a dense, heavy blues sound. In concert in support of his new release "Keep It Hid," Auerbach occupied a chunk of that same territory, but this was not The Black Keys Jr. that was evident from the lead-off song of the night and CD (he played most of the 14 songs), Trouble Weighs a Ton,. where the music was low key and spare, before leading into the bluesy I Want Some More.
Auerbach's sturdy guitar playing kept the show bluesy without overdoing it. But he also opted for softer sounds, proving he did not need to go hard to deliver his version of the blues. His voice also was well-suited to the blues, a bit of a drawl here and there, without sounding like a dilettante.
He was ably backed by the San Antonio-based band Hacienda. As the middle act of the evening, they did not prove particularly inviting ostensibly due to sub par vocals and nothing new to offer. But when playing with Auerbach, Hacienda turned it up a few notches. Auerbach and band tended to get in a good groove and keep it going without going on too long.
Auerbach's album may be a misnomer in dissecting his career. With powerful shows like this, there will be no hiding.
Murfreesboro, Tenn. female trio Those Darlins (plus a male drummer) opened with an enjoyable set, mixing country and punky vibes. All three Darlins (they claim that's their family name) - Nikki, Jessie and Kelley - had a hand at lead vocals, and all three acquitted themselves well.
There was a cute quality to some songs, e.g., DUI, where they grew humorous despite the subject matter, but fortunately quite fall victim to novelty or going over the top to be considered lightweight.
They interchanged instruments as well on occasion keeping the interest going. Those Darlins' aren't afraid to tour - this was their third time in Boston in a year. With a CD coming this summer and more road dates looming, Those Darlins' were fun and lively.
