The Black keys

Attack & Release

Mar 28, 2008
2 Comments
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The Black Keys got their name from one Ohio resident’s term for “not quite right”. The same could be said for the pair’s fifth album, which confuses with its mix of blues, noise rock and hip-hop. There’s a fine line between blues authenticity and pub-rock tedium and, accordingly, ‘Attack & Release’ often falls victim to parody. Much has been made of the fact that Danger Mouse was responsible for production duties, but what actually ensues is a stand-off between the malt whiskey traditionalism of the Keys and his fresh studio techniques. It’s at its best when the pair strip things back – ‘Psychotic Girl’ features a smouldering banjo and Danger Mouse’s church choral hums that really send these blues sailing downriver to the Mississippi Delta. Sadly, these moments are too rare, leaving the record a victim of teetering bar-stool choruses and jukebox melodies.

Kat Lister

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Comments (2)

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NorthAmericanScum

Apr 4, 2008

I registered solely for the purpose of encouraging all the readers, of this utterly stupefying review, to give 'Attack & Release' a listen for their self. You will not be disappointed.

sawgrass67

Apr 5, 2008

this review is horrible. attack and release is a fantastic album and a good change up. if you want bare bones production, get any of their other 5-6 albums. I could have actually used a little more danger mouse production, but then it might have made the album like the rl-burnside remix album. TBK did a great job and some of the songs are the most heartfelt they've done yet.stand out tracks:all you ever wantedi got mineliesremember when (1)Same old thingOceans and streamsalmost all the songs are fantastic. great job TBK can't wait to see the album live.