The Raconteurs, Olivia Jean

Releasing their first album in eleven years—and playing their first run of shows in nearly as long—The Raconteurs still bear all the hallmarks of Jack White’s signature brand of raw rock and roll. Whereas his recent solo records have strayed into more adventurous (if unfocused) territory, playing in The Raconteurs seems to sharpen White’s bluesy bluster. Co-founding singer Brendan Benson’s nose for knockout power-pop hooks bolsters the songwriting teamwork, with searing solos and a muscular rhythm section borrowed from The Greenhornes. Since connecting with Third Man Records nearly a decade ago, opener Olivia Jean has spent time fronting gothy garage outfit The Black Belles and backing the likes of White, Wanda Jackson, and Stephen Colbert. Her newly released second album follows the trend of her eclectic and poppy solo work, expanding on The Belles’ rock with girl group vocals, surf riffs, and psychedelic fuzz.