Black Keys: Attack & Release

Attack & Release was The Black Keys 5th studio album. However, it was a record that saw a few firsts for the Akron, Ohio duo. It was the 1st full length album made in a professional studio and the 1st to be produced by Danger Mouse.

Besides Attack & Release being the record that The Black Keys made some key transitions in production, it was also the one where they made some strides musically. After Magic Potion failed to live up to the expectations set by Rubber Factory, the band changed direction and experimented with a blend of old and new approaches.

The work done on Attack & Release would lay the path for their follow up albums, Brothers and El Camino, and lead the duo to achieve near superstar status.

The 2008 pressing of Attack & Release by Nonesuch Records is good. The vinyl is reasonably quiet, the base is warm and full, and the highs are crisp. Midrange lacks a little and the detail we’ve come to expect from vinyl is missing. However, when compared to previous vinyl releases by the band, this pressing outshines the 3 of the 4 that came before it. Rubber Factory being the 1 standout.

If you are into vinyl and The Black Keys, you will find this pressing to be the best available for this release. If you are looking for an audiophile standard pressing, like most mass produced records pressed at plants known for mass production, you’ll be disappointed.

However, the music is great! 💵

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