The Black Keys reveal upcoming album titled “Peaches”
The Black Keys, a renowned American blues-rock duo composed of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, are making a comeback. They are set to drop their 14th studio album, “Peaches!,” on May 1, 2026. Describing this record as their most authentic collection of songs since their 2002 debut with “The Big Come Up,” the duo delves into raw, primal blues-rock vibes on this album.
The inspiration behind “Peaches!” stems from a deeply personal period in Auerbach’s life. During a time when his father was battling terminal esophageal cancer, he stayed with the singer-guitarist in his Nashville home. Auerbach shared that the intention wasn’t to make an album; instead, they were just jamming to lift their spirits and cope with the emotional challenges they were facing. The raw and primal energy comes through in the music as they allowed their nerves to be exposed and the emotions to flow freely.
For Carney, who has been Auerbach’s closest friend since childhood, the recording sessions had an immediate and intense quality. The duo opted for a live-in-the-room approach with no separation, including recording the vocals all in one go. Carney admitted that mixing the album was a nightmare, but they managed to capture a raw and filthy sound that perfectly encapsulated the essence of their music. This stripped-back and live vibe reflects a return to their garage and blues roots that shaped their musical journey from their beginnings in Akron, Ohio, in 2001.
“Peaches!” comprises ten tracks, with the lead single being a cover of George Thorogood and the Destroyers’ “You Got To Lose.” Alongside the single release, a music video directed by E.J. McLeavey-Fisher also made its debut, setting the stage for the album’s upcoming launch.
The Black Keys’ history as a band is well-documented, tracing back to their friendship in childhood and early jam sessions in the mid-1990s. Formalizing their partnership in 2001, following their college dropout days, they embarked on a quest for a raw and uncompromising sound. Over the years, their music evolved, finding success with albums like “Rubber Factory” and “Brothers,” which introduced them to a wider audience. Collaborations with producers and a fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements have shaped their sonic landscape, leading up to “Peaches!,” a testament to their enduring creativity and musical prowess.
As they gear up for the release of “Peaches!,” The Black Keys are slated to perform live at various international festival dates, offering fans a mix of new material and timeless classics infused with their signature intensity. This new record promises to be a raw and powerful testament to the duo’s musical journey and unyielding commitment to authenticity in their artistry.