Black Keys: Attack & Release

Attack & Release: The Black Keys' Pivotal Studio Evolution

The Black Keys' fifth studio album "Attack & Release" represents a significant turning point in the Akron, Ohio duo's career trajectory. This 2008 release marked several important firsts for Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, most notably their first full-length album recorded in a professional studio environment and their inaugural collaboration with producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton).

A Musical Transition
After their previous album "Magic Potion" failed to meet the critical expectations established by fan-favorite "Rubber Factory," the band strategically pivoted their approach. "Attack & Release" showcases The Black Keys experimenting with a compelling blend of their raw, blues-based foundations and more expansive production techniques. This hybrid approach allowed them to maintain their signature gritty sound while introducing new sonic textures and dimensions.

The musical evolution captured on this album laid crucial groundwork for their subsequent releases "Brothers" and "El Camino"—records that would catapult the duo to mainstream success and near-superstar status. Listening to "Attack & Release" with historical perspective reveals the seeds of their commercial breakthrough being sown in these transitional tracks.

Vinyl Pressing Quality
The 2008 Nonesuch Records pressing delivers respectable sound quality with reasonably quiet vinyl surfaces. The bass response comes through warm and full-bodied, while the higher frequencies maintain crisp definition. Some limitations appear in the midrange presentation, which lacks the presence and detail that vinyl enthusiasts have come to expect from premium pressings.

When compared to the band's previous vinyl releases, this pressing outperforms three of their four earlier efforts, with only "Rubber Factory" standing as superior from a production standpoint. For fans specifically seeking the best available pressing of "Attack & Release," this Nonesuch version remains the definitive edition.

The Vinyl Verdict: Expectations Versus Reality
Collectors approaching this release with audiophile expectations might find themselves somewhat disappointed—like most mass-produced records manufactured at high-volume pressing plants, it falls short of reference-quality sound reproduction. The pressing competently delivers the music without notable flaws, but doesn't offer the exceptional sonic experience that specialized audiophile labels often provide.
Despite these technical limitations, the musical content shines through compellingly. The album's distinctive production approach and the band's creative growth during this period make "Attack & Release" an essential chapter in The Black Keys' discography—one that bridges their indie roots with their eventual commercial breakthrough.

For fans of the band or those interested in the evolution of modern blues-rock, this pressing offers a satisfying listening experience that, while not technically perfect, successfully captures a pivotal moment in The Black Keys' artistic development. 💵

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass