Back after 2008’s lukewarm Perfect Symmetry, Keane continue with their journey with shifting their sound, to what we have with Night Train; a more worldly effort of Urban, Synth and even Sampling.
Back after 2008's lukewarm Perfect Symmetry, Keane continue with their journey with shifting their sound, to what we have with Night Train; a more worldly effort of Urban, Synth and even Sampling.
Born out of Keane's Perfect Symmetry tour, Night Train is an eight song E.P. that continues their musical progression from the piano led early albums of 2004's Hopes and Fears and 2006's Under the Iron Sea to a more rounded, multi-dimensional sound.
Although the basic tried and tested Keane formula is still there underneath, with their worry some outlook on life and how 'woe is me', there has been definite progression. Whether from constructing something new and fresh with their sound to opening themselves up to outside assistance from Canadian Rapper K'naan.
First single Stop for a Minute proves that they can still write a hit. Fresh and with a great chorus, if you didn't know who was the artist was you'd probably not click that it was Keane until you started to pick apart Tom Chaplin's singing style.
Clear Sky opening reminds myself of mid to late 80's output of XTC with their translucent description of the landscape with a dreamy mix of ambiance of hand clapping!
Keane's affection for 80's synth continues with Your Love. With Tim-Rice-Oxley's debut on lead vocals, the track is probably closest in sound to their last album, 2008's Perfect Symmetry.
The only one song I have a small issue, well big issue is Looking Back, the penultimate song on the album and the second track to feature K'naan. Based on the Rocky theme tune, the track pushes it's luck and just ends up feeling awkward and cheesy.
That said though, it's good to see some risks being taken, regardless if a song or two don't quite hit the mark. Hopefully some of the positive response to this album and the single will continue Keane's foray into pastures new.
The great thing about Night Train is, whatever side of the fence you sit on regarding Keane, there's no doubt that the album has kept them in the game.
- Stop for a Minute
- Clear Skies
- My Shadow
