Headlining the MOG Showcase and playing their only show of SXSW, The Black Keys did not disappoint a packed house at Mohawk. The weather was cold and dreary, but the crowd came out in full force, packing the venue to capacity early in the afternoon in anticipation of The Black Keys' set. Onlookers climbed fences and sat on railings to watch Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney play a wide range of songs from their significant repertoire. Danger Mouse, James Mercer, Thurston Moore, and other recognizable faces populated the side stage area as well - this was a show no one wanted to miss.
It was clear that The Black Keys are more used to playing big crowds than most SXSW performers. They played with a professionalism and stage presence that comes from years of touring and confidence in your product. The songs, so tight and crisp on record, grew and expanded to take on new, interesting forms on stage. Auerbach played with rhythms on songs like "Girl Is On My Mind," delaying and releasing in accordance with Carney's superb - dare I say possessed? - drumming. I would question anyone who said they left this show disappointed.
