Though best known as the front man for The Black Keys (and feuding with Jack White), Dan Auerbach has shown that he has a lot more range with his side project The Arcs. Upon the release of their debut album, Yours, Dreamily, The Arcs found success in singles like “Outta My Mind” and “Stay in My Corner.” Though there is a bit of the garage rock of The Black Keys in their sound, the fusion with soul, R&B and psych rock comes together to create a sound that is unique to The Arcs.
The Arcs’ latest album, Electrophonic Chronic, is a masterful blend of rock, funk, and soul that showcases the band’s versatility and musicianship. It is also something of a tribute to late band member and multi-talented artist Richard Swift, who sadly passed away in 2018. The album opens with the groovy, upbeat “Keep on Dreaming,” setting the tone for the rest of the album. Dan Auerbach’s vocals are raw and emotive, perfectly complementing the instrumentation. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with solos that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The band’s sense of humor and playfulness is also on full display on the playful “Heaven is a Place,” a song that will make you smile with its soulful rhythm and catchy lyrics.
One of the album’s strongest tracks is “Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” a powerful ballad that showcases the band’s ability to create emotional and powerful music. Another standout track is “Eyez,” a driving beat and infectious chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. “River” is a psychedelic track that showcases the band’s ability to experiment with different sounds and styles, with a tone that sounds like it would be at home on a Dr. Dog album. The album closes with the soulful ballad “Only One for Me,” a fitting end to the album that showcases the band’s ability to create emotional and powerful music.
Overall, Electrophonic Chronic is a fantastic album that showcases some serious range. The band has created a unique sound that is both modern and retro, and the album features a wide array of styles and sounds. It’s a must-listen for fans of rock, funk and soul music, and for anyone looking for an album that is both musically and emotionally satisfying.
