Ohio duo The Black Keys have been gone long enough that whenever they have new music, it feels like a delight. Now ahead of a large scale tour, the two piece is back in a big way, announcing their ninth album Let’s Rock with a new single, “Eagle Birds,” and in many ways it’s a welcomed return.

Opening with drums and a gurgled guitar, Auerbach’s vocals are softer than you may be expecting, but not in a bad way. The sound of softer vocals and a heavier guitar works here with catchy pacing and plenty of blues fuzz hooks. The licks hit just right with backing vocals and a stride that keeps the tune in your head after you hear it. It seems that The Black Keys are definitely back, reminding us of a mixture from their early days alongside the successful sounds of Brothers.

“Eagle Birds” can be streamed wherever you stream music, and it can be purchased from all digital music shops. Let’s Rock can be pre-ordered directly from Nonesuch Records ahead of its June 28 release date.The Black Keys are on tour starting September 21 in Las Vegas, NV at the Life is Beautiful Festival until November 24 in Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena. A complete listing of their tour dates can be found here.

Image Credits: Photo by Alysse Gafkjen.