The pacing of the record is magnificent, moving from slow burn to fatally swift riffs and hard rock in no time. Beginning with an almost rural opener, “All You Ever Wanted,” Black Keys show their scope right out of the rusty gate. The song’s gospel feel lends itself agreeably to the swing of the music, creating a track that is both earthly and elevating.
Attack and Release contains barn-burning riffs, like the killer one on “I Got Mine” and the sinful cleverness of “Strange Times,” and smooth Southern rock grooves (“Oceans and Streams”). Singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach sounds immaculate on the entire record, his vocals distorted to perfect measure and slapped together by Danger Mouse.
“Same Old Thing” features a hell of a groove and a flute. Ralph Carney, uncle of drummer Patrick, has played most notably with Tom Waits and is a collector of strange and obscure instruments. Ralph pops up frequently on Attack and Release and always adds a nice touch. His clarinet on “Remember When” is marvelous.
Auerbach probably never sounds better than on the album’s concluding duet, “Things Ain’t Like They Used to Be.” Singing with 18-year-old bluegrass singer Jessica Lea Mayfield, Auerbach delivers poignancy and sentiment with his modest range and the song’s natural bend. It’s the most beautiful piece on Attack and Release and closes off an album that is at times muddy and unrefined and, at other times, really hygienic and affecting.
Attack and Release delves deep into Southern rock, blues, and hard rock to create a sound with grain and power that exceeds the work of most other minimalist duos in music today. Auerbach’s guitar and Carney’s sturdy rhythm, as well as the collection of guests and the almighty Danger Mouse, help make Attack and Release one of the better albums of the year thus far.
Article comments
1 - Kevin Eagan
I'm so looking forward to this album. Thanks for the review.
2 - greasy spoon
in the basement of his basement? now that's getting down!
3 - Jordan Richardson
You know it, baby!