The Black Keys have just released “Fever,” the first single off of their upcoming album, Turn Blue. This is their first offering since their seventh studio album, El Camino (2011), and the track finds the guitar-and-drums duo leaning more toward a funkier, alternative side of pop.
The riff-based style that brought the Black Keys such acclaim takes a noticeable backseat in this new sound, with more focus placed on creating a low-end heavy groove and catchy chorus. Synth accents shine atop “Fever,” but it’s Dan Auerbach’s desperately soulful vocals that really jump out and beg for your attention. While the song is not necessarily what you might expect, having departed from their much loved bluesy beginnings, this new, dance friendly direction is a welcome departure. Listen to “Fever” below.
Turn Blue is out May 13 from Nonesuch Records Inc.