The Black Keys: Live at the Crystal Ballroom (2008)

"Live at the Crystal Ballroom," the latest concert DVD from The Black Keys, encapsulates the raw, unadulterated brilliance of the drums-and-guitar duo's sound that has become their signature. This unembellished visual record takes us back to April 4, 2008, when the duo's sold-out performance at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon, stirred the soul of every attendee. The footage, a collection of seventeen extraordinary tracks from all five of their albums, is a testament to their musical journey. Director Lance Bangs, renowned for his work with Arcade Fire, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sonic Youth, and R.E.M, keeps his camera crew's attention rooted to the stage, intimately capturing the symbiotic relationship between guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney. At intervals, he pulls the lens back to spotlight the enraptured audience, their heads swaying in rhythm, hands outstretched towards Auerbach in silent tribute. The film eschews visual theatrics, intricate editing, or backstage diversions. It simply lets the music speak for itself. The result is a captivating and riveting concert experience, one that successfully captures the triumphant spirit of the music echoing through the Ballroom that night.

The Black Keys: Live at the Crystal Ballroom is a music movie featuring The Black Keys.

It is possible to buy The Black Keys: Live at the Crystal Ballroom on Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.