CD review: The Black Keys

The Black Keys might not be the blast of blues fury that awakened tired ears in the first place, but after seven records they are surely allowed to branch out.

Caught between the contemplative moments on the brilliant Brothers and the anthemic party bombast of El Camino, Turn Blue sounds very much like a two-piece band with say, another 10 members.

Intricate arrangements, Dan Auerbach's slightly abused falsetto and nods to funk and disco replace the raw riffs, which die-hard fans will be bitter about.

Accomplished and mature, the Black Keys have abandoned the frat house for a cosy spot beside the fireplace, but it's not such a bad move.