The Black Keys

Rubber Factory

First released2004

Rubber Factory, released in 2004, was recorded by The Black Keys at Soma Records studio in Cleveland, Ohio, their hometown. The album was produced by the band themselves alongside Danger Mouse (Brian Burton), who played a significant role in shaping the record's raw blues-rock sound. The recording took place in a converted rubber factory basement, which influenced the album's warm, lo-fi aesthetic and gave the record its name. The band employed minimal equipment and favored live takes to capture authentic performances, eschewing heavily produced arrangements in favor of direct guitar and drums interplay. This approach, combined with the intimate studio setting, helped establish The Black Keys' signature sound and marked a turning point in their career, setting the stage for broader commercial success.