Magic Potion marks The Black Keys first album since leaving the minor leagues of the well-respected Blues label Fat Possum for the cushy confines of new home Nonesuch; label to such heavy hitters as David Byrne, Emmylou Harris and big shots of the moment Wilco. Maybe it's because of this change then that Magic Potion feels like Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are for the first time settling for just respectable, because it's their most play-it-safe and going-through-the-motions release to date.

The first half of Magic Potion is anything but magical, something that their last album, Rubber Factory was through and through. Auerbach and Carney plod their Blues guitar and drums along not really taking any chances. Every track on side A is right around the three minute mark and truly lack the firepower that Auerbach's guitar playing usually brings to the proceedings. That's not to say it isn't likeable, just not terribly memorable. It isn't until track 6, "Strange Desire" that things finally start warming up. Tempo changes and electric squalls finally breathe life into this record along with some inspired heavy drum pounding by Carney on "Modern Times." The slowed down workings of "The Flame" are even quite enjoyable. But I have to say, if you're someone who has yet to be introduced to these Blues scholars, do yourself a favor and invest in any of the other three far superior Black Keys long players. I just don't think this one is worth drinking the Kool-Aid on until you've exhausted all other options.