[UPDATED] Last night, the Black Keys proved that real rock ‘n’ roll stills exits, smoldering just under the surface of pop rock. Vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney make up the no-holds-barred band, forgoing flash, costumes, and pretention for some seriously gritty rock.

Their live show at the House of Blues was no different. The show was just about the band and its music, except for some choreographed lighting and a giant fabric backdrop. The first half was material pre-Brothers (their latest album), leaning more heavily on a garage, blues-band sound, with only Auerbach and Carney performing. Songs such as “Your Touch,” “I’ll Be Your Man,” and “Act Nice and Gentle” epitomized the band’s early stripped-down sound.

By Erika Goldring

When it came time for the new material from Brothers, the duo brought in another guitarist and a keyboardist to fill out the new sound. The crowd erupted when the first song off the album, “Everlasting Light”, started off the set of newer material and got even louder for the searing “Next Girl,” an anthem for anyone who has been through tumultuous past relationships. The show ended, though, with the band circling back around to earlier material, a nod to long-time fans.

Possibly the best thing about the set, though, was the honesty with which the music was presented. The entire set was a constant stream from song to song—no superficial conversations with the crowd or musings about life. If you need more evidence, watch Carney: he wears thick prescription glasses normally, but takes them off for most of the show so he can focus solely on drumming and not the audience.

For The Black Keys, it’s just about the music—pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. And don’t worry if you missed the show this time—Auerbach promised repeatedly they’d be back.

Update 12:46 p.m.

Erika Goldring’s photo was added to the story.