No Rain, No Flowers. The Black Keys

With No Rain, No Flowers The Black Keys have added a 13th album to its oeuvre. It was there when I returned from holiday, so I've read two reviews before I had the chance to listen to the album myself. The first one was extremely positive, stating how easily the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney releases songs that stick with you immediately, while the other lamented where the band of the first albums had gone. Two ways to look at a band and its development.

For me, like most people around the world, The Black Keys came into my life with the single 'Lonely Boy' and the 'El Camino' album. I can't remember having listened to anything that came before and if I have, it made no impression of any kind. I own most albums that were released since and chances are No Rain, No Flower will wind up in the home also.

Fact is, I sort of agree with both reviewers. The often soulful songs on the new album are smooth and easy going. A bit like Auerbach's solo albums' sound, except that for some reason, despite Carney not being involved in the writing process, the songs are simply better. I can imagine Carney's ears and opinion do play an important role in the creative process, urging Auerbach to be more critical of or creative in his work. For me the former review wins out. Once again, this album is an exploration of a specific kind of music and soul it is this time around.

There's enough rock elements to be found in the mix. Strong guitar parts adorn a song like 'Down To Nothing'. The effect is a rough sea in what at first appeared to be smooth sailing. It's a trick that The Black Keys are so good at. In each single song there are surprising little sounds that make it stand out. The songs itself are already interesting by themselves, even if they are, at first listen, smooth, perhaps even suave. The rock element is always nearby in the solo's.

To all appearances the second reviewer has an issue with a band that develops itself and even transforms into a different band. Formed in 2001 in Akron, Ohio, I would hope the band does not sound the same as in the 00s. I can imagine the same reviewer writing today, had that not been the case. The Black Keys are not the same band as when its members were in their early 20s. Now in their mid-40s they dare to take on any music they like and are very good at what they do.

When you listen to 'Man On A Mission' there's still dirt in the band's sound in abundance. It makes for great alternated listening. As you will have surmised, in my view The Black Keys have totally lived up to expectations and even surprised a little. Seen from the albums of the past ten years, No Rain No Flowers should not have come as a surprise. The Black Keys have delivered and show that smoothness is just a frame of mind, as I hear more than enough rock on the album. The combination on No Rain No Flowers works exceptionally well.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght