Londoners Magazine Album review: The Black Keys - Attack & Release
By Chris Lo • Apr 2nd, 2008 • Category: Music, Nightlife
Artist: The Black Keys
Album: Attack & Release
Label: V2/Co-operative Music
Released: 31 March 2008
Chris Lo listens to The Keys as they step out of the basement and into the studio to relieve our post-Icky Thump blues.
Last year, Ohio blues-rock duo The Black Keys hooked up with an unlikely collaborator in the form of Gorillaz/Jay-Z producer Danger Mouse. The plan was to record an album with R ‘n’ B legend Ike Turner.
Turner passed away before the project could be realised, so the boys took the tracks they’d written for him and, with Danger Mouse still on board, started work on a fifth Black Keys album.
Who knows what this album might have sounded like had Turner survived to record it, but the Keys hard work has laid the foundations for one of their strongest records yet.
Danger Mouse’s involvement brings a certain sheen to their sound, which is a first for a band who had previously not set foot in a recording studio.
Some might call this a compromise, but the production really gives the melodies space to soar.
And soar they do.
From the grainy gallop of “I Got Mine” and “Strange Times” to the husky sensuality of “Same Old Thing”, it’s clear that the Keys are in complete command of their craft.
White Stripes comparisons may have begun to tire, but the chemistry between Daniel Auerbach’s guitar and Patrick Carney’s drumsticks is most easily compared to vintage Jack and Meg.
The Keys needn’t worry though - with songs this confident, it shouldn’t be long before they step out of White Stripes’ shadow and into the spotlight.
Chris Lo is our chief music, film and video game writer. We don't even have video game writing.
Favourite place in London: Regent Sounds guitar shop on Denmark Street in Soho, because their selection of Fenders would make Prince blush.
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