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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Rubber Factory
Universal acclaim
Based on 23 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 28 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Epitaph
Release Date: 07 September 2004
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
The blues-rock duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return with their third album, so-named because it was recorded in a deserted rubber (tire) factory.
Also By This Artist: Attack & Release Magic Potion thickfreakness
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Entertainment Weekly
Shockingly well done... a remarkable album. [3 Sep 2004, p.73]
E! Online
Some called their first two albums derivative, but with this third disc the guys wrestle their greased-up garage boogie until they own it.
Read Full Review >Planet
The sparse arrangements and DIY aesthetic give the Keys a rock and roll genuineness that's missing from their contemporaries. [#8, p.79]
Billboard
The Black Keys play the kind of raw, sensual blues-rock that makes you want to hide your girlfriend and warn your mom.
Read Full Review >Filter
More of the same meaty riffs meet familiar sweaty rhythms to take you down to the Midwestern delta one more time. [#12, p.95]
Pitchfork
It picks up right where Thickfreakness left off-- outside the bar in the gravel parking lot, swinging aggressively with Dan Auerbach's ferocious six-string and Patrick Carney's cymbal-and-snare seizures-- and brings the noise one step further.
Read Full Review >cokemachineglow
Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach deliver a much more consistent and musically varied album with Rubber Factory, yet don’t sacrifice the guitar rock that made their previous two albums so much fun.
Read Full Review >Lost At Sea
This is deceptively simple, back-to-basics rock music that no honest American can help but enjoy.
Read Full Review >Splendid
Sounds like it's coming from bluesmasters who've lived twice as long and seen three times as much.
Read Full Review >ShakingThrough.net
Rubber Factory finds inspiration in decay, and signals a hopeful future for the Black Keys.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
Their sound is no more polished than the tracks were on their last album, the also-great thickfreakness, but there's an air of stronger confidence on Rubber Factory.
Read Full Review >Mojo
The duo-only, no bass required songs don't lack for sonic depth. [Sep 2004, p.98]
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The disc makes a lot of noise, and it sounds great in the process.
Read Full Review >Delusions of Adequacy
This album shows that these guys have plenty of room to expand stylistically while still absolutely owning blues rock.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
Rubber Factory is not as consistent an offering as Thickfreakness.... But make no mistake, the strengths here more than amend for the weaknesses.
Read Full Review >Spin
Doesn't sound as raw as they probably wanted it to. [Oct 2004, p.120]
Blender
Auerbach's fat, rocketing riffs are rivaled only by his Delta-dipped drawl. [Oct 2004, p.114]
New Musical Express
It's just a shame that quieter moments such as 'The Lengths' sound a little weedy in comparison. [4 Sep 2004, p.72]
Q Magazine
Innovation isn't on the agenda, but thanks to some stomping tunes and Auerbach's oak-smoked vocals, it's another rock-solid enterprise. [Sep 2004, p.119]
Uncut
It's terrific, lively fun--soulful, even--as long as nobody tries to tell you there's something radical about it. [Sep 2004, p.101]
Rolling Stone
High-impact scuzz-blues that aims for prime Hendrix and almost gets there. [30 Sep 2004, p.186]
Alternative Press
There's a bit more quiet time on this effort. [Nov 2004, p.149]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 28 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
D Dub gave it a9:
Gritty dirty blues music. I think I have said enough.
Jake Z gave it a10:
i absolutly love this album
Thomas L gave it a10:
exceptional modern blues. the black keys most diverse effort.
[Anonymous] gave it a9:
This is one of the best bands ever, and this continues to be one og the bets cd's ever. - 1 point because the lengths sucks.
Lisa gave it a9:
I first heard the Black Keys' All Hands Against His Own on a web radio stream, and instantly liked it. When I heard 10AM Automatic, I knew I had to have Rubber Factory. Stack Shot Billy is really growing on me -- it's so bluesy/funky. Awesome disc !!
Caleb Q gave it a10:
Gritty garage blues-rock at its finest. Perfect for the hip indiephile tired od philosophical verse and Pixies ripoffs. My personal faves are "Act Nice And Gentle", a perfect honly-tonk jam; and "Stack Shot Billy", with witty songwriting along with the Lava-soap rock. After eating nothing but strange foreign dishes and crazy tastes your friends suggested, its refreshing to just get a huge steak. And the Black Keys serve this slab hot and juicy. (Warning: may cure musical jadedness.)
Dave R gave it a 10:
Hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
