The 10th anniversary of Consolers of the Lonely, the second album by the Jack White/Brendan Benson-fronted Rock band The Raconteurs, is being celebrated with a reissue through White's Third Man Records on "copper foil metallic vinyl." Part of the label's "Vault" subscription package, the reissue is making news for its inclusion of two brand new songs (featured on an accompanying "mixed metal color vinyl" 7-inch), marking the first new music from the group since Consolers' release in 2008. (If you want the package — which includes other goodies like patches and stickers — you can subscribe here.)
The new material is a precursor to a planned new album from The Raconteurs — which is anchored by former Cincinnati musicians Jack Lawrence (bass) and Patrick Keeler (drums) of The Greenhornes fame — slated for release next year.
The Raconteurs came together in 2005 and were described as "a new band made up of old friends." The White Stripes had played extensively with the Southeastern Indiana-spawned/Cincinnati-based Greenhornes over the years, and Benson produced the group's East Grand Blues EP, which also came out in 2005. The Greenhornes reconvened when The Raconteurs went on hiatus after the Consolers album cycle, releasing the acclaimed Four Stars in 2010 on White's Third Man label.
White, of course, has been recording and touring as a solo artist of late; he's currently winding down duties in support of his Boarding House Reach album. Lawrence (who was also a part of White's band The Dead Weather) has worked with various bands and artists on the road and in the studio; he was recently in Cincy with Jeff the Brotherhood. Keeler has been recording and touring with another band with Cincinnati roots — The Afghan Whigs — who are currently on hiatus after touring behind their latest album, In Spades, wrapped up earlier this year.
UPDATE (12/19/2018): The band has made the two new songs — “Sunday Driver” and “Now That You’re Gone” — available for all to hear, complete with accompanying music videos. Watch below: