Mellow grooves with a retro touch.

The Black Keys have spent over two decades evolving from raw garage rock into a smoother, blues-driven sound. Their latest release, No Rain, No Flowers, leans into that shift with an album that feels both nostalgic and relaxed, trading grit for easy-listening grooves. Across eleven tracks, the duo blends retro synths, bluesy guitars and steady rhythms into a laid-back record that flows more than it surprises.

The album opens with its strongest cut, “No Rain, No Flowers,” a catchy track built on a retro synth-and-guitar groove that sets the tone for everything to come. It’s a reminder of the band’s knack for crafting accessible hooks, even if the edges feel softened. “The Night Before” carries similar energy, with vocals that lean more into speak-singing than melody, giving it a casual, conversational feel. “Babygirl” shifts the spotlight to piano, layering in a bluesy rhythm that stands out as one of the record’s livelier moments. By contrast, “Down to Nothing” slows the pace with organ, guitar and a moody atmosphere that pulls things inward.

Midway through, the band leans further into texture. “On Repeat” builds on bass-heavy percussion and synths that recall vintage video game tones, a playful nod tucked inside the otherwise steady pacing. “Make You Mine” turns inward, a falsetto-led ballad that offers rare vulnerability before “Man on a Mission” jolts the energy back with distorted guitars and a heavier riff. “Kiss It” plants itself squarely in the band’s blues-rock wheelhouse, with a simple refrain that feels both familiar and unpretentious.

The final stretch of the record carries the same consistency. “All My Life” dips into funk and blues influences, while “A Little Too High” doubles down on guitar-driven rock. The closer, “Neon Moon,” pulls everything back into ballad territory, ending the album with a slow, mellow fade rather than a dramatic finish.

No Rain, No Flowers doesn’t push The Black Keys into new territory, but it doesn’t seem to want to. Instead, it offers a warm, unhurried collection of songs that feel comfortable in their retro blues-rock lane. It’s easy to put on, groove along with and let play through.