The saying goes that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. In the case of The Black Keys, that wasn’t quite true. A disatrous tour cancellation and parting company with their management and PR teams helped turn 2024 into a walking nightmare for Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, one not of their own making but one they were left picking up the pieces from.
There was only one way they knew how to navigate the situation – make another record. Following on from Ohio Players their thirteenth release is a balancing act, stripping away the anger and resentment they clearly still feel towards certain individuals whilst creating music which circles round their familiar blues-rock outline.
The title for No Rain, No Flowers comes via Rick Nowells, the veteran songwriter for amongst others Lana Del Rey who was drafted in to work with the duo alongside Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves), whilst the Roots Scott Storch upcycles Babygirl. Seemingly enthused, the duo clearly feel that the last 18 months has given them license and the likes of Man On A Mission, Kiss It and the soulful All My Life are the work of artists making it through to the other side. Everyone should make a plan this good for what happens after they get punched in the face.
You can read a full review here.
The Voice Of Unreason 