Attack & Release, But I Can't Put It Down

The Black Keys

Attack & Release

Nonesuch

Action Rating: 8/10


For their fifth album Attack & Release the dynamic duo of Dan Auerbach (guitar and vocals) and Pat Carney (drums) decided they would do some experimenting.

Interesting enough Danger Mouse was working with Ike Turner and the Black Keys were asked to be Turner’s backing band. The Black Keys also helped writing songs for Turner.

Then Turner passed away and rather than abandon the whole thing, the Black Keys used some of the songs as their own and so fate was a key component in Attack & Release.

They stuck with Danger Mouse to produce the album, making it their first album with an outside producer. It was also recorded for the first time in an actual studio rather than Pat’s basement. And suddenly the Black Keys sound began to morph.

The album opens with, “All You Ever Wanted”, an acoustic song, which immediately gives you the notion they have tried something new and the outcome here end up being a stunning song. The album also ends on a similar note, featuring a beautiful duet with bluegrass singer Jessica Lea Mayfield.

The Black Keys are known for being riff-oriented but now the song writing has developed, making the vocals and lyrics stand out.

A good example of this is the song “Lies” which is one of the album’s best. Dan’s vocals are haunting when singing “I got a stone where my heart should be/ And nothing I do will make you love me.”

The album’s first single “Strange Times” oozes with Danger Mouse production. The upbeat rhythm and a rocking riff result in a song you can dance to.

Although The Black Keys don’t completely shy away from their patented blues rock. “I Got Mine” and “Remember When (Side B)” are great examples of The Keys’ best.

The album overall has such a different feel to it as there is not much guitar theatrics as they are known for. This is a little disappointing but they made up for it with quality song writing. I wouldn’t say they have changed genres, but as I said before there isn’t much blues-rock, rather more blues.

The addition of the organ shows a more soulful direction, which was upsetting. Yet after a couple plays, the album becomes addicting.

It is good to see that this Black Keys experiment wasn’t one gone wrong but instead an experiment resulting in one of their best albums.

Standout Tracks: I Got Mine, Strange Times, Lies, Psychotic Girl, All You Ever Wanted, Remember When (Side B), Oceans and Streams