Attack & Release, writes KCRA-Sacramento staff writer David Hyland, marks "a new musical paradigm for The Black Keys." Yet even as the band incorporates new tools into their signature sound, and producer Danger Mouse adds his influence to the mix, the Keys remain true to their roots.

Writes Hyland: "The infusion of fresh sounds brings forward other influences and textures buried under the duo's customary dinosaur thrashing, but without making the songs seem completely uncharacteristic of the band."

He cites the track "I Got Mine" as proof that "their palette now broadened, the group hasn't given up on using volume to their advantage." That tune, he writes, "is The Black Keys gloriously returning to what they do best: just rocking out."

With Attack & Release, Hyland asserts, the band is "now reborn and under a sign that bodes them well." And by year's end, he suggests, it "shouldn't be a surprise to see the record wind up on many critics best-of lists."

To read the review, visit kcra.com.

Metro Toronto gives the album four stars, with reviewer Robb McKay calling the Black Keys / Danger Mouse pairing "a synergy that is so good." The Tampa Tribune's Curtis Ross exclaims that the band has unlocked a "grimy blues treasure trove" with the album, making "the move to near respectability with much of the grime still intact."

ContactMusic, out of the UK, rates the album nine out of ten and calls the band "one of the genuine phenomena of the past few years ... some kind of modern rival for early Zeppelin." Reviewer Mike Rea says the aforementioned additions to the band's sound "have produced a great sounding album." Rea says the "soulful blues quality" of Dan's voice, "together with the quality of the songs, makes this album work wonderfully." To read that review, visit contactmusic.com.