Attack & Release

After getting some better production, The Black Keys improved even further and created their most interesting album to date, while keeping the old and making more room for the new. There's more instruments and more experiments, making the band's sound as indie as it has never been before. And there's some new influences. It's easy to see why I like this evolvement.

All You Ever Wanted is a strange choice for a beginning of this album. I would have rather picked something like the second song I Got Mine. Why? It's not like the song is bad, it's actually one of my favourites. But I've never considered slow and minimalistic songs to be album starters unless the whole album is like that. That's just what I think, the song itself is very enjoyable. I Got Mine is more energetic, and also a single. In comparison to some other tracks of the album, it's not the strongest one, but is good. The same can be said about Strange Times, although I definitely prefer it for the bigger memorability. Psychotic Girl is the most experimental song of the album, most likely, and I really like it. Adding stuff like banjo and keyboards really works for the duo, creating some classic indie. The song Remember When (Side A) is very similar, sounding like stuff Beck or Modest Mouse would do. Or maybe someone else, I just have been listening to those artists more recently. I don't know why Remember When (Side B) is supposed to be a second part of the song, because it is quite different. A fast paced, electric guitar driven garage rock, The White Stripes influenced style that was very common in previous albums. This time it is used very wisely, as a standout between indie. The last song I'd like to talk about is So He Won't Break, probably my favourite from the album. It just uses the perfect formula for creating a popular garage rock song, the memorable riffs and melodies are all over the place. Reminds me of Queens Of The Stone Age, as a matter of fact, especially their hits. Weird how The Black Keys didn't release it as a single, it would have done really well most likely. It's probably just me, though.

Released right before their major breakthrough, Brothers, this album honestly gets overlooked. It's like a transition point, and these points don't really get enough appreciation for a number of bands. I would say it's the best thing they have released so far, although the future albums will probably take away their crown due to me loving that stuff they did in the 2010s. But right now, my full attention goes to Attack & Release, which is just enough of the good old stuff, and just enough of the cool new experiments to keep the both sides happy.

Playlist percentage: 36%
Notable tracks: All You Ever Wanted, Strange Times, Psychotic Girl, Remember When (Side A), Remember When (Side B), So He Won't Break
Rating: 8/10