From
the start, the Black Keys created their own niche and style of
garage / blues rock that has always put them out there to stand
alone. After four albums of expanding their current instruments
to their limits back and forth, The Black Keys collaborated with
Danger Mouse on Attack & Release in order to tap
some new creative elements within the duo.
That collaboration sets the stage for a new dynamic
and depth to the Black Keys that has not been heard before. From
the flutes on “Same Old Thing” to the stylistic banjo
picking on the slow burner “Psychotic Girl” or the
organs that show up throughout Attack & Release,
The Black Keys accomplish their creative goal with their extra
layer of resonance.
Even with the new instrumental additions, the Black
Keys still offer a solid reverb guitar show on rockers like “I
Got Mine” and “Remember When (Side B)” that
gets the blood pumping and keeps Attack & Release alive and
kicking down to the memorable bluesy closer “Things Ain’t
Like They Used To Be”. Getting Danger Mouse onboard as producer
was a daring step for The Black Keys that pays off because their
core structure is still in full effect.
The reality is that the Black Keys make consistent
albums and are masters of their trade - Attack & Release
just confirms this again.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews,
check out The
Fire Note
To see a clip for 'Strange
Times' from Attack & Release click the play button
below
From
the start, the Black Keys created their own niche and style of
garage / blues rock that has always put them out there to stand
alone. After four albums of expanding their current instruments
to their limits back and forth, The Black Keys collaborated with
Danger Mouse on Attack & Release in order to tap
some new creative elements within the duo.