New Music Review: Night Train

It all started back in 2004, when Keane released their debut album Hopes & Fears, a fantastic exploration of the emerging piano-rock genre. The band's first single "Somewhere Only We Know" was heard everywhere, with it's soaring vocals, hammering but peaceful piano, and escapist theme. Two years later, the band's sophomore album Under The Iron Sea came as a surprise to some, with it's darker and sometimes cynical tones (which came the band almost breaking up following extensive touring). "Is It Any Wonder?" was a loud arena anthem that expressed great frustration with the world's leaders and some of their actions. In 2008, the band released their latest full album Perfect Symmetry, an exploration of synth and electronic influences as evidenced by the single "Spiralling". Now, the band has released their newest material, the EP Night Train...



So how does this 8-track "mini album" stack up against the band's other material?
I'll begin with a track-by-track breakdown:


House Lights-The opening track of the album is in fact that band's "walk on" music, used during their latest tour to support Perfect Symmetry. It's a hybrid of three tracks from said album: Perfect Symmetry, Playing Along, and Black Burning Heart. It works well as an opener, pulling the listener in from the get-go. Keane aren't known for many instrumental tracks, but they ones they do produce always impress: this is no exception.

Back In Time-My third favorite track from the album. It features a dark, edgy sound full of synth and ripping bass: the lyrics are slick and mysterious. The track hints at a new direction for Keane, while at the same time harkening back to the Under The Iron Sea era.

Stop For A Minute-The first of two collaborations with K'naan, a Somalian hip-hop rap artist who is known for his political and social music. This track, the first single from the album, has already scared off fans for it's hip-hop feel. The collaboration said to be a one-time experiment for Keane according to singer/frontman Tom Chaplin, who has said he admired K'naan's work and wanted to work with him. Personally, I find the song to be compelling and catchy-it's one of the better songs on the album.

Clear Skies-By far my favorite track from the album, and in my top 10 Keane songs overall. It features acoustic guitar, hand-clapping percussion, and a shift in tone using heavy-effect guitar. The vocals are awesome, the lyrics are great (and not as happy as they appear to be, according to Chaplin), and the song is catchy as hell. If Keane's entire next LP sounded like this song, I'd be a very happy camper.

Ishin Denshin (You've Got To Help Yourself)-Undoubtedly the most "experimental" song on the album, this track is in a way a cover of a popular J-pop song. Tim Rice-Oxley, the band's keyboardist and songwriter, heard the song and wanted to do a Keane spin on it. It includes Tigarah, a popular Japanese pop artist (she sings in Japanese). While the song is certainly catchy, it's by far the fluffiest track on the album, and it doesn't leave a lasting impression like some of the other tracks.

Your Love-A U2 inspired synth-ballad, this track features Rice-Oxley on vocals. It features a constant synth beat with effect heavy drumming an a occasional synth riff. While Rice-Oxley's vocals are smooth, at first the song is a little underwhelming-it really takes a good listen with attention the lyrics to appreciate.

Looking Back-The second collaboration with K'naan, this track features a beat that samples "Gonna Fly Now", also known as the theme to Rocky. While it's lyrics are somewhat inspirational, it feels a little flat, especially when compared to "Stop For A Minute". Still, it's catchy and unique.

My Shadow-This track was originally included with the special edition of Perfect Symmetry, though the band decided to add it to the EP after it saw surprising popularity. It harkens back to Hopes & Fears, with a slow build that leads to a great climax. I've loved the song since Perfect Symmetry, and would rank it as my second favorite track from the album.

The bottom line: Night Train is, at the end of the day, a celebration of the best of what Keane is capable of. Experimenting with genres ranging from electronic-inspired rock to hip-hop, the album will surely please even non-fans and (hopefully) excite existing fans as to what Keane is capable of.

Grade: B+