American blues-rock duo The Black Keys began their highly anticipated comeback story Aug. 8 with the release of their 13th full-length album, “No Rain, No Flowers.” After difficulties with an underperforming album and undersold tour in 2023 that led to a split with management, the Akron, Ohio-based two-piece has returned with a record about the creative growth that emerged from their setbacks in the business.
The album feels like a pleasant amalgamation of Black Keys’ sonic journey and exploration of genres since their 2001 debut. Although it leaves a bit to be desired in terms of their usual raw, genuine performances that fans have come to expect, “No Rain, No Flowers,” may be just the disruption to the norm that the Keys and their listeners need right now.
The titular track, “No Rain, No Flowers,” is an optimistic but chill kick-off, setting the tone for the rest of the album to follow — upbeat, but not overly energetic. The tune seems to be a reflection on the band’s recent struggles within the music industry and their unlucky year following the release of their 2024 album “The Ohio Players.” Lead vocalist Dan Auerbach's steely delivery of lines like “Stand back up / and try your luck once again” and “Plant a seed of love / and the one who's gonna blossom is you” emphasizes the record's theme of persistence in the face of adversity.
The following two tracks, “The Night Before” and “Babygirl,” were also released as palatable singles, and are in line with the Black Keys’ garage rock-esque sound. While sounding less experimental and unique than prior projects, they are still very enjoyable to listen to, fresh and fun.
“No Rain, No Flowers” is self-produced, but features plenty of talented collaborators, as Keys fans have come to expect. The duo, composed of guitarist and vocalist Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, worked closely with songwriter Rick Nowels. Nowels had previously collaborated with Auerbach on the Lana Del Rey album “Ultraviolence,” for which Auerbach produced eight of the tracks. Other contributors included songwriter and producer Daniel Tashian, who has worked with Clairo and Kacey Musgraves, as well as Scott Scorch, keyboardist and producer of The Roots and Dr. Dre.
The fourth track on the album, “Down To Nothing,” certainly feels like a departure from the distinct style fans have grown to love — but that could be a good thing. Emotional lyrics and a twinkly melody feel reminiscent of disco, but with a killer guitar riff paying respects to earlier Keys projects. The next two tracks “On Repeat” and “Make You Mine,” have a similar feel, but with a heavier emphasis on their signature blues influence.
“Make You Mine” is followed by “Man on a Mission,” a maturation of the band’s traditional production and musical style and one of the most authentically Black Keys’ sounding tracks on the album. Carney’s drumming is excellent throughout the album, but it is on this song that it really shines through. Auerbach’s gritty guitar and fuzz pedal effect make their return to their former glory on this track — a Black Keys signature through and through.
The next three tracks of the album, “Kiss It,” “All My Life” and “A Little Too High” continue with the groove-heavy classic rock sound that has been consistent with the album so far. The songs are upbeat but not overbearing, maintaining the infectious energy of the Black Keys while overall feeling decidedly more chill than the rest of their discography.
The album concludes with the reflective “Neon Moon,” another song about getting through tough times, this time with the light of the so-called neon moon guiding you home. The track hits on the themes of growth and perseverance that subtly echo throughout the entire record, in both the lyrics and the evolved production. In the first verse of the song, Auerbach sings, “Don't let yourself get down too long / 'Cause a change is comin' soon”.
While this album is not quite what was expected, the new direction the Black Keys are cultivating might end up being a very positive change. The band is currently traveling on the “No Rain, No Flowers” tour, and made a stop in Columbia, Maryland Aug. 28 — a little over three hours away from Charlottesville.
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