Review: The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers

Another exquisitely produced mainstream rock record from a duo at the top of their game.

Formed over 24 years ago, The Black Keys certainly took their time stepping into the mainstream spotlight. Only towards the start of the 2010’s did the Ohio band trade gritty underground cred for a sound larger, cleaner and stadium-rock focused - a sonic development that has worked absolute wonders for the band’s success.

Where their first five albums very much hid in the shadows, critically acclaimed sixth studio album Brothers (2010) was immediately followed by a swaggering seventh entitled El Camino (2011) to cement their status as THE definitive modern blues-rock torchbearers (apologies Jack and Meg White…).

They haven’t strayed far from this formula since. Recent records Dropout Boogie and Ohio Players saw Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stick to what they know best in delivering dependable, meat and potatoes blues rock tunes with a heavy dose of polish. Little surprise then that their latest No Rain, No Flowers follows suit to (mainly) winning results – anthemic and smooth albeit without many a risk taken.

With last year’s Ohio Players enjoying contributions from A-lists Beck and Noel Gallagher, this time round The Black Keys sought collaboration from long-admired songwriters rather than performers. The self-produced latest was recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studios in Nashville and includes contributions from the likes of flavour of the month country producer Daniel Tashian, longtime Lana Del Rey producer Rick Nowels as well as keys player/producer Scott Storch (Dr. Dre, The Roots).

Not that we’re immediately blown away – in fact, the opposite. The self-titled opener is simply a slog that lacks excitement. The tired “No rain / No flowers / More pain / More power” chorus refrain feels uninspired, while the song itself sounds like bland Radio X fodder. The groove focused ‘The Night Before’ also struggles to capture the imagination and lacks any real punch to keep us - the listener - stimulated.

So far, a damp squib then. But, in fairness, they soon turn it around. On ‘Baby Girl’ a bluesy piano hook, distorted bass and Dan’s delicious love torn vocals finally achieve a welcomed change up. Meanwhile, the fantastic ‘Down to Nothing’ showcases some smoother, soulful vibes to get the hips swaying, wonderfully aided by funky riffs and subtle yet colourful keys.

The second half is where this record excels. There’s the thrilling ‘Man On A Mission’ where a combination of dirty riffs, swaggering choruses and driving percussion slaps it harder than anything else the band have done in years.

Elsewhere, ‘All My Life’ offers a shimmering slice of summery, funk-rock escapism and ‘A Little Too High’ cranks the guitars up again for the kind of rock rabble rouser you’d wish there was more of here. To finish, there’s similarities to John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ on ‘Neon Moon’ - a closer that won’t be for everyone but ends the record with an infectious campfire singalong.

Once we get over the forgettable start, No Rain, No Flowers is another exquisitely produced mainstream rock record from a duo at the top of their game. High quality throughout but, in truth, they’re still levels below their early ‘10s imperial phase.

So, while there’s comfort in these smooth and soulful blues-rock tunes, The Black Keys could really do with a touch more grit and raucous charm to stand it out amongst their discography. Either way, a solid effort regardless.

7/10