black keyes

Apparently, the Black Keys really want you to know how flexible of a band they truly are. Why else would their newest release, Attack & Release, feature two versions of the same song placed back-to-back on the album? On both renditions of "Remember When," the Black Keys effectively display their two vastly different but equally appealing styles. Side A is a more acoustic, melodic and reflective sound while side B replicates the electric style that has made the Black Keys a favorite amongst fellow musicians and advertising agencies (so far, their work has appeared in five different commercials).

Yet, even without their two interpretations of "Remember When," Attack & Release reveals how the Black Keys have no problem managing a variety of genres. The laid-back sound represented in the opening tracks of the album like "Psychotic Girls" and "All You Ever Wanted" contrasts nicely with the more up-beat tracks that close out the record in "So He Won't Break" and "Oceans and Streams." But perhaps the best aspect of the album is the passionate and intense vocals of the Keys' Dan Auerbach. The emotion with which Auerbach sings "Lies" and "Things Ain't Like They Used to Be" serves as the highlight of the album.

However, for all its welcomed tempo changes and passionate performing, Attack & Release has one glaring weakness in its lyrics. Sadly, the only word to describe most of the verses on the album is shallow.

For the most part, Auerbach succumbs to vague generalizations, nonsensical points and forced rhymes. But, despite this shortfall, Attack & Release should only help the Black Keys remain one of the music scene's most admired and respected bands.