THE BLACK KEYS > Attack & Release

The assumption that there’s only so much you can do as a two-piece, guitar and drums combo has already been disproved by The White Stripes. The Black Keys, however, have remained comfortable in their stylistic skin for their entire recording career.

Label: Nonesuch
[Label: 4 STARS]

The assumption that there’s only so much you can do as a two-piece, guitar and drums combo has already been disproved by The White Stripes. The Black Keys, however, have remained comfortable in their stylistic skin for their entire recording career. I usually agree with the old adage “if it ain’t broke,” but Dan and Patrick were starting to get repetitive on Magic Potion. For the decidedly different Attack & Release, they brought in Danger Mouse as producer and his influence can be heard on most of the album. It’s the first Black Keys record that deserves the scrutiny of headphone listening. Their sound’s evolution is most apparent in the striking contrast between the two versions of the song “Remember When” back to back. The first interpretation is a psychedelic country ballad reminiscent of early MMJ and the second reading is an adrenaline fueled blues-rock rave up. Many of the songs on this album were originally intended for an album with the late Ike Turner. This is evident in the funk-strut swagger of “So He Won’t Break” and the thick bass groove that drives “Lies.” My favorite thing about this album is the tasteful addition of new instruments. Banjo, moog, organ, flute and bass have all been added to the mix without compromising their signature sound. Attack & Release sounds just right.