On a break from his regular gig - as half of the Black Keys - Dan Auerbach has made a real gem of a record. Deliberately low-fi it may be, sounding like it was recorded in your neighbour's garage, it swings and sways delightfully: it sounds wonderful.
"Keep It Hid" is a storming mix of southern gothic soul channelled through Tom Waits side-by-side with some fragilely whispered songs that have more than a whiff of Fleet Foxes or the more angelic leanings of My Morning Jacket about them. So there you have it: fuzzed up guitars and drums that sound as if they are being played standing up (listen to the prowling, stomping beat of "I Want Some More" to see what I mean), delicious soul-flecked sing-alongs ("Real Desire") and a band that seems to have absorbed the Stax vibe, more than a hint of Creedence and the Allmans and the heft of the Band in full tilt. Auerbach leavens all this rock'n'soul with some gorgeous ballads ("When The Night Comes") that shows off his gentler side. Of course, he follows this with a full on Mean Monsoon that sounds like the soundtrack to an impending hurricane, all bruised skies, rain pounding on tin roofs and a band that just won't quit.
It won't change the world, it won't provide any answers to any of the big questions - other than "Yes, I would like to dance" - but it will leave you in a great mood and it will raise your spirits as only dirty down-low rock and roll can.