Two years on from its predecessor, Attack and Release unveils a warmer, less aggressive sound from blues duo The Black Keys. The album is the fifth instalment of their progressing discography. Produced by Brian 'Danger Mouse' Burton, it's the first studio produced record released by the two-piece from Ohio. With a new radio-friendly sound, The Black Keys could be forgiven for aiming for the kind of exposure they surely deserve.

New producer and new instruments, this is a new psychedelic blues sound that hits all the right buttons. Comparisons to Free and early Fleetwood Mac could well have shrugged off the constant reminders of The Black Keys' similarity to fellow American rockers The White Stripes, yet they still manage to avoid losing their core essence even with their broadened sound.

When a band decides to expand its sound on a new album, it often brings mixed reviews with generally some heavy criticism. Sure, The Black Key's could've continued to create the same… more »

Two years on from its predecessor, Attack and Release unveils a warmer, less aggressive sound from blues duo The Black Keys. The album is the fifth instalment of their progressing discography. Produced by Brian 'Danger Mouse' Burton, it's the first studio produced record released by the two-piece from Ohio. With a new radio-friendly sound, The Black Keys could be forgiven for aiming for the kind of exposure they surely deserve.

New producer and new instruments, this is a new psychedelic blues sound that hits all the right buttons. Comparisons to Free and early Fleetwood Mac could well have shrugged off the constant reminders of The Black Keys' similarity to fellow American rockers The White Stripes, yet they still manage to avoid losing their core essence even with their broadened sound.

When a band decides to expand its sound on a new album, it often brings mixed reviews with generally some heavy criticism. Sure, The Black Key's could've continued to create the same two-piece heavy blues as their previous four albums have brought us. But how far would that take them as a band? How long would fans keep listening to the same old stuff? Bands need to experiment from time to time. Pink Floyd, The Clash, Radiohead - all the greats have had to go through the experimental process, and let's be honest, the blues genre needed a fresh sound.

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney certainly give us that. Tracks such as 'Strange Times', 'Same Old Thing' and 'Psychotic Girl' really highlight the diversity that this band has, thus making Attack and Release one of the most enjoyable listens of the year so far.