The Black Keys – Attack & Release

at the risk of angering much of their fan base, the black keys’ newest release deviates significantly from the band’s self-imposed reliance on drums, guitar and vocals as they attempt to expand their sound. here producer danger mouse provides a bevy of ideas and instruments that help the keys trump the notion that they are one trick pony. their previous albums have been very insular affairs, with both members doing all of the writing, performing, recording and producing themselves; however, as solid as a foundation that is, 2006’s magic potion was a sign that perhaps they needed a change. the songs of attack and release build on that trusted foundation and attempt to augment it with other textures, making danger mouse’s presence noticeable but still subtle. a flute acting as a counterpoint to auerbach’s guitar is what keeps “same old thing” from being exactly what its title suggests. there are moments though, where their approach seems superficial, as though the keys haven’t committed themselves to change and instead opt for large doses of reverb to hide it. while attack and release isn’t everything that it promises, it delivers something new and unexpected from the band and demonstrates their willingness to experiment, perhaps a sign of what’s to come from these blues-fanatics.

Filed under: Album Review , 2008, attack & release, danger mouse, the black keys