The Black Keys

El Camino Nonesuch Records****

When the unrelenting guitar strikes up on Lonely Boy, you realise you are back in The Black Keys' world of scuzzy playfulness, where rattling doo-wop with Spectoresque drums ( Dead and Gone) nestles beside heavy rock, with vocals that sound like they were recorded in the van on the cover ( Gold on the Ceiling). Little Black Submarinesdistils their schizophrenic musical nature, as the ballad showcasing Dan Auerbach's tender voice turns into an epic guitar-driven jamboree. Their musical sense is clear-sighted and exciting, taking in the work of blues musician Junior Kimbrough, the great Blackroc project, and Danger Mouse (who produced this record). Nova Babyis a highlight, because it seems impossible: intense, demented percussion, wobbly organs, and wild guitars, with Auerbach singing "you don't know what you want". See theblackkeys. com

Download tracks: Gold on the Ceiling, Little Black Submarines, Nova Baby