The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers (Album Review)
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Written by Chris Connor
Photo: Larry Niehues
The Black Keys have been in a prolific mood of late, releasing four albums between 2019 and 2024 and now returning once again with ‘No Rain, No Flowers’, a project born from frustrations with their cancelled US tour. It’s a sprightly mix of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s trademark blues-rock sound and something a little breezier, belying the turmoil behind its creation.
The title track is a more successful marriage of pop and blues than some of their previous attempts, capturing the feel of the record well. Auerbach’s vocals are smoother and more polished than on, say, ‘El Camino’, but the opening riff retains some of that record's grit.
Many of the songs here, particularly The Night Before, are short and sweet as the band race through the material without sacrificing quality, a welcome shift after a couple of mixed outings.
On 2022’s ‘Dropout Boogie’ and at times during last year’s ‘Ohio Players’ it felt like The Black Keys were stuck on autopilot. Their writing feels more concise and pointed here, with a point to prove and a record that feels like a return to form.
Down to Nothing is a highlight, allowing Auerbach to cut loose with some psychedelic licks, and On Repeat retains the polished feel of the rest of the record while showcasing his guitar prowess and the band’s blues roots, showing they haven’t lost sight of what put them on the map. Man on a Mission is The Black Keys at their best, its pounding riffs easy to picture going down a storm live alongside Lonely Boy or Next Girl.
‘No Rain, No Flowers’ may be too laid back for some, but it shows that Auerbach and Carney still have plenty to offer. There are points where the classic Black Keys sound shines through, making this an intriguing listen that may grow in stature over time.
The Black Keys Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri August 15 2025 - GILFORD New Hampshire - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (USA)
Sat August 16 2025 - BOSTON Massachusetts - MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park (USA)
Sun August 17 2025 - SPRINGFIELD Massachusetts - Massmutual Center (USA)
Tue August 19 2025 - BRIDGEPORT Connecticut - Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (USA)
Thu August 21 2025 - CLARKSTON Michigan - Pine Knob Music Theatre (USA)
Fri August 22 2025 - CUYAHOGA FALLS Ohio - Blossom Music Center (USA)
Sun August 24 2025 - INDIANAPOLIS Indiana - Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park (formerly TCU Amphitheater) (USA)
Thu August 28 2025 - COLUMBIA Maryland - Merriweather Post Pavilion (USA)
Fri August 29 2025 - BETHEL New York - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Complex (USA)
Sat August 30 2025 - CANANDAIGUA New York - Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) (USA)
Sun August 31 2025 - TORONTO Ontario - Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place - Complex (Canada)
Wed September 03 2025 - CHICAGO Illinois - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (USA)
Fri September 05 2025 - MILWAUKEE Wisconsin - BMO Harris Pavilion at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) - Complex (USA)
Sat September 06 2025 - MINNEAPOLIS - Armory Minneapolis (USA)
Sun September 07 2025 - KANSAS CITY Missouri - Starlight Theatre (USA)
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