For the past 25 years, The Black Keys have largely been on a similar trajectory — upwards, initially steeply, then more gradually. But lately things have been rockier, with cancelled tours and recent dabblings in electronica slowing their roll. It comes as a refreshing surprise, then, to find them returning to a sound that evokes memories of their earliest years together on ‘Peaches!’, their 14th studio album.
This is their second full collection of cover versions after 2021’s ‘Delta Kream’, but their unique stamp is more apparent this time around, leaving the tracks solidly their own. In the build up to recording, guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach faced the pain of losing his father. Anyone who has witnessed the dramatic decline of a parent will tell you that emotions surface and fade continuously and without a sufficient outlet it’s easy to spiral into depression. Thankfully, along with some choice friends, his bandmate Patrick Carney helped pick him up and channel these emotions into something positive.
On ‘Peaches’ the duo’s encyclopaedic music knowledge is staggering to witness, but old heads will be pleased to find that the band’s defining, dirty blues-rock roots take hold of each track.
When they apply their most natural talents to the records they love, every time they manage to find something of themselves in the reflection.
Rocky opener Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire, originally by Willie Griffin, is the best of the lot and provides the ideal introduction. Blistering guitar solos adorn the track perfectly alongside bewitching brass underbelly that leaves you wanting more.
Earl Hooker’s You Got To Lose is another winner, following a familiar bluesy path while wrapping itself in layers of fuzzy guitars, its repetitive riff dominating. Other highlights include Levester Carter’s buzzy foot-tapper Stop Arguing Over Me, the chugging organ-punctuated Who’s Been Foolin’ You, from Arthur Crudup, and the patient classic blues structure of R. L. Burnside’s Fireman Rings the Bell.
Perhaps the most well-known artist the band cover on the album is Dr Feelgood, with their own version of the Wilko Johnson-penned B-side She Does it Right employing another vintage blues call and response structure coupled with Stranglers-esque keys. ‘Peaches!’ is like a warm comfort blanket, both for Auerbach and fans of The Black Keys’ formative work. While the experimental side of the band has been given a breather for now, it serves as a reminder of why people fell in love with them in the first place.
The Black Keys Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sat August 29 2026 - PORTSMOUTH Southsea Seafront
Mon August 31 2026 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Tue September 01 2026 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Wed September 02 2026 - LONDON British Airways Arc
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