The Black Keys w/ The Arctic Monkeys
Bojangles Coliseum
March 24, 2012
After a handful of recent songs including the latest single, "Gold on the Ceiling," the band went back to 2004's Rubber Factory for "Girl is On My Mind" and later "Your Touch" from 2006's Magic Potion.
The Black Keys had plenty of moments to shine as a duo, but touring musicians Gus Seyffert and John Wood, who remained in the shadows for most of the night, supplied regular help. On their own, Carney and Auerbach were clearly enough to bring the music to a depth of its own, finding time to perform as a duo for a few songs, including "I'll Be Your Man" and a stellar version of "Girls on My Mind."
Keeping it simple was the theme as the Keys let the music do the talking, offering little in the way of showboating. Sure, there were occasional lasers, but for the most part the show remained simple with stands of lights along the back of the stage offering the only bits of flash.
The night's other highlights included the '60s-rock style of "Nova Baby" and the get-the-crowd-moving set closer of "Lonely Boy." The band returned for a three-song encore that included "Everlasting Light" and a soul-inspiring "I Got Mine" as a flashing "The Black Keys" sign was lowered behind them.
With seven albums under their belt, it's surprising that the Keys revisit the same setlist night after night (though Charlotte wasn't offered "Thickfreakness" as they've been playing at other tour stops). Offering a bit more from the band's catalog would not only appease long-time fans, but also reinforce to any Johnny-come-latelies that there were albums before Brothers and El Camino.
Encore
Everlasting Light
She's Long Gone
I Got Mine