RECOMMENDED
For their first four albums, The Black Keys wrestled around with two identities: should we lean towards Muddy Waters-esque Delta blues, or be badass Led Zeppelin clones? The new effort, “Attack and Release,” produced by Danger Mouse (a.k.a. the skinny guy from Gnarls Barkley), seems to ask, “Why don’t we throw a little funk in there for good measure?” Bizarrely, it works. Danger Mouse’s occasional hip-hop beat, banjo intros and flute riffs expand upon what had become their predictable template, but there are still plenty of bluesy rockers, most notable the electric, bouncy anthem “Strange Times” (with handclaps!). And for those critics who endlessly describe the duo as the musical compatriots of The White Stripes, “Attack and Release” provides a little artistic breathing room while still delivering a swift kick to the pants. (Andy Seifert)
Saturday, April 12 at Riviera Theatre
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