The album drops Tuesday, December 6.
"It's the fastest we've ever played," singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach told Spin about the new songs, which he says were inspired by the Clash, the Cramps, and old rock'n'roll, rockabilly, and garage rock records. "The new album doesn't sound like ‘Brothers.’ It doesn't have that open soul feel to it. It's way more driving and the tempos are really fast."
The new set was recorded at Auerbach's Nashville studio during breaks in the band's schedule when their producer Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, could fly in. "He understands all the different kinds of music we're into," Auerbach says of Burton, who also helped produce their last two albums, starting with 2008's “Attack & Release.” "He's got really great ideas about melody and song structure. For him it's all about the song."
Tickets for the North American dates go on sale December 9.
This week, The Black Keys were nominated for a Grammy Awards under Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the song "Dearest" from “Rave On Buddy Holly.”
The band are the musical guests on Saturday Night Live this weekend.
The Black Keys
2012 North American tour
3/02 — Cincinnati, OH – U.S. Bank Arena
3/03 — Detroit, MI – Joe Louis Arena
3/04 — Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
3/06 — Portland, ME – Cumberland County Civic Center
3/07 — Boston, MA – TD Garden
3/09 — Washington, DC – Verizon Center
3/10 — Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
3/12 — New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
3/13 — Montreal, PQ – Bell Centre
3/14 — Toronto, ON – Air Canada Center
3/16 — Indianapolis, IN – Conseco Fieldhouse
3/18 — Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
3/19 — Chicago, IL – United Center
3/20 — Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
3/23 — Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center
The Black Keys The Black Keys – Lonely Boy
See also:
Foo Fighters lead rock noms at American Music Awards
VIDEO: The Black Keys tease new album
The Black Keys rock SNL
