Music

The Raconteurs
Wed May 14
- Recommended
This event has finished
Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline St, London, W6 9QH
By Sharon O’Connell

Posted: Tue May 6
Anyone who suspected that the recent, sudden, PR campaign-free release of The Raconteurs’ sophomore LP across all formats simultaneously was simply a clever (anti-)marketing trick should have known better of Jack White. The singer-songwriter and guitarist is hardly against advertising (he did pen a song for a Coca Cola commercial, after all – and sing it), but the man’s no media whore, and his work with The White Stripes has always suggested an
artist anxious not to offend or spook his muse.

The Raconteurs rarely play live – the band’s commitments to The White Stripes and The Greenhornes and Brendan Benson’s to his solo project clearly take precedence – so this show is a must-see for all fans of both knockabout, retro garage rock and American alterno-pop. Second album, ‘Consolers Of The Lonely’ is a less rough-edged, dense and raucous affair than their 2006 debut, which meshed British blues/R&B, mod pop and psychedelia with American country rock, but that’s to be expected. Then, the gang were revelling in their newfound creative freedom, but second time around, they understandably wanted to try something new. So, the album’s title track may be a thrilling demonstration of their squalling, kick-ass rock capability, but other material stretches out and is filled with clavinets, fiddles and horns.

The new material ain’t frilly (as if), but it is fuller and less obviously ferocious. So, don’t holler repeatedly for ‘Steady, As She Goes’ on Wednesday; if you’re truly a fan, the new songs should give you just as big a kick.

Further listening: www.theraconteurs.com