Once Keane was known as just another Coldplay. They were criticized and ignored by most, but somehow they acquired a loyal fan base. After the release of their second album, Under the Iron Sea, Keane scored some radio airplay as well as some noticeable sales increases.

Only two years after Under the Iron Sea, Keane is back on the scene with a new sound and a new look. Many fans have already cried “sell-out,” due to mainly an unexpected change in sound. However, after hearing the new style of Keane, I’ve come to decide that the quality of the music has in no way been degraded or cheapened to fit any kind of mold. And if I may say so, this is Keane’s most creative effort yet- Perfect Symmetry.

The first single from Perfect Symmetry, “Spiralling,” appropriately kick-starts the set with an anthemic rhythm and effected keyboard parts. “When we fall in love / We’re just falling in love with ourselves / We’re spiralling” declares lead singer Tom Chaplin. There’s some unusual depth surfacing as the bridge slides into place with intriguing words spoken by Chaplin to create a mental and political challenge for the listener. It’s good.

The official first single is followed by the unofficial second single, “The Lovers are Losing.” Here we see another side of Keane unrecognizable to fans of “Is It Any Wonder?” and “Somewhere Only We Know.” Heavy synth drones and smooth, sincere vocals throughout. Melodious, but not instantly catchy for some. It will definitely grow on you though if you give it time.

“Better Than This” is a funky groove with unexpected falsetto and thin hand claps. It’s laced with smooth vocal harmony and strange keyboard effects. Lyrics such as “Get a grip on yourself / Could have been something / But you’re too late and you wouldn’t want it anyway” represent the cornerstone tone all the way through. It’s slightly sarcastic, ridiculously catchy, and perfectly produced.

Through a perfect mix of guitar-like keyboard sounds, carefully placed melody lines and dark piano notes, “You Haven’t Told Me Anything” and title track “Perfect Symmetry” showcase more dramatic Keane style transformations. The latter is the closest thing to a ballad on the album, and it’s slightly somber with more than a hint of regretful advice. It swims in synthy arrangements and easy melodies.

“You Don’t See Me” is a bit slower than the rest, and probably the most like old Keane of all of the songs here. Steady drum beats drive the relatively simple melody through slowly resolved synth and swirling vocal harmony. Thoughtful lyrics.

One of my personal favorites on the album arrives next, “Again and Again.” It’s upbeat, catchy, and nicely arranged. “Just because I said it / Doesn’t mean I meant it” reveal a bit of sarcasm and bitterness while “When you are alone and afraid / I will come to your aid / Well was it just a dream, just a dream? / Because it was real to me” show a relatable sense of helplessness and regret.

“Playing Along” is one of the longer tracks on Perfect Symmetry, and it is clings to a sleepy drag with appropriately emphasized phrases (”I’m going to turn up the volume / ‘Til I can’t even think.”) It’s slightly retro in lyric and and relaxing in tune. “Pretend That You’re Alone” then brings the tempo back up and reiterates previous themes while introducing a memorable shimmering tone. More of the good stuff- intertwining vocal harmony, funky piano sounds, plus a saxophone.

Another one of my personal favorites, “Black Burning Heart” was one of the few songs previewed to fans before the album’s release (through live shows). It’s quiet at first, luring the listener in for the eventual outburst of a chorus. It’s more melodious than straight up catchy, although the verses include quite a bit of repetition.

“Love Is the End” concludes the record with a pleasant piano piece and a sleepy swing. The simple verse arrangement, consisting of mainly just piano and drums, leads up nicely to a dreamy chorus. The lyrics are full of longing and complement the overall sound of the song very nicely. “So let’s not pretend / Because love is the end.”

Some fans will easily shift from the original Keane sound to this new style, while others will feel very alienated by the change. Let’s just make it official- this isn’t “Hopes and Fears” Keane by any stretch, and so when faced with this conclusion, one must either embrace the “Perfect Symmetry” Keane with open arms or walk away from the stereo with disappointment.

For me, new Keane gets my approval. The first listen through, I was actually quite indifferent, but something amazing happened on my second listen through- The songs mysteriously clicked in my mind and somehow became accessible. I can’t predict that you will have the same revelation I did, but once I became aligned with the record, is has yet to leave my car stereo. It’s really that good.

You can purchase Perfect Symmetry digitally or as a CD from Amazon.

/ Posted: Nov 06, 2008
/ Written by: Matt S.
/ Category: Album Reviews
/ Artist(s): Keane