Who are Keane?
This three piece from Battle are, Tom Chaplin on vocals, Tim Rice-Oxley on piano, keyboard and bass, and the gorgeous Richard Hughes on drums. The name “Keane” comes from Rice-Oxley’s nanny, Cherry Keane.

Keane were brought to my attention as my partner told me about their stunning first chart success “Somewhere only we know”. Since then Keane have exploded onto the music scene with fans including, radio ones Jo Whiley and Jonathan Ross.

What makes this band truly unique is Chaplin’s fantastic vocals, heart felt lyrics, (all written by the band) and the fact that they don’t rely on the use of guitars to really get their songs going.

Keane have recently been on a small tour around the UK and when I saw that they were playing in my hometown of Bristol, I just had to get tickets. Keane well and truly blew me away with their incredible musical talent and now I couldn’t wait for their much anticipated album; but could Keane’s debut “Hopes and Fears” live up to the hype?

*The tracks*

1- Somewhere only we know
The album starts on a high with this stomping single, which reached the charts at number three. The song starts well with a catchy tune, which soon builds up into an explosive chorus where Chaplin really shows us what he is capable of with his fantastic voice and lyrics.
This track really deserved to do so much better on its release and the louder you play it- the better it sounds! 10/10

“Oh simple thing where have you gone?
I’m getting old and I need something to rely on,
So tell me when you’re gonna let me in,
I’m getting old and I need somewhere to begin”

2- Bend and break
This is thought to be Keane’s next release, and just in time I feel, as its upbeat tempo and quick pace is just fantastic for the coming summer months.
Rice-Oxley really comes alive on this track, wowing listeners with his extraordinary power and life on the piano. This track really sets Keane apart from other Indie bands, it’s consistent, Chaplin sounds superb, and the lyrics certainly do not disappoint. This song has been really liked by fans and the media, and if rumours are to be believed and this track is released, it will surely be another hit for the band. 10/10

“If only I don’t bend and break,
I’ll meet you on the other side,
I’ll meet you in the light,
If only I don’t suffocate,
I’ll meet you in the morning when you wake”

3- We might as well be strangers
This beautiful track about Chaplin’s lost love is a perfect album filler. Starting slow, Chaplin’s voice haunts as he sings of his sorrows. The song soon picks up, showing us just how much Keane are willing to experiment with Chaplin’s voice and the sound of their music. This track is boarding on musical excellence. 8/10

“I don’t understand your thoughts these days,
Were strangers in an empty space,
I don’t understand your heart,
It’s easier to be apart”

4- Everybody’s changing

This was Keane’s second big release, which peaked in the charts at number four. This fantastic track is truly like nothing that has been released before. It has a simple, but upbeat sound, which never really takes off just leaving you gagging for more. This new indie sound really suits Chaplin’s voice, putting down any rumours that they are verging on sounding like a pop band. 9/10

“You’re gone from here
Soon you will disappear
Fading into beautiful light
Because everybody’s changing
And I don’t feel right”

5- Your eyes open

I’ve never been to sure about this track as it is very breezy and at times sounds slightly winy. Although this track has great lyrics, it was never a track that was going to go very far, however, I love the backing music; there is a slight sound of chattering and a few bangs on the bongos at the start. As always Rice-Oxley shows us some more of his musical excellence as he bangs on his piano. 7/10

“For a moment your eyes open and you know
All the things I ever wanted you to know
I don’t know you and I don’t want to
Till the moment your eyes open and you know”

6- She has no time

I have heard many mixed reviews about this track, some saying that it is lifeless and boring, and others saying it is fantastically warm and heartfelt. Personally I go for the later. When I saw Keane live, Chaplin explained that this song, written by Rice-Oxley, was about a failed long-term and loving relationship. Knowing the reasoning behind this track just makes it even more emotional. As Chaplin sang this tear jerking masterpiece you could, and can on the album, hear just how heart breaking this was for him and you can really believe in every word he sings.
I absolutely love this track, and although it’s probably not chart material, this is by far one of the best tracks on the album for me. 10/10

“Think about the lonely people
And think about the day she found you
Or lie to yourself
And see it all dissolve around you”

7- Can’t stop now

This is a really fantastic up-beat track, which is in a really great place on the album as it ensures the album keeps its quick pace and sound. The track starts quick with a really light sound to it, with lyrics “I can’t stop now” emphasising this. However as the song draws to a close, the pace slows and Rice-Oxley gives us an incredible deep solo as he pounds on his piano while Chaplin shouts “The motion keeps my heart running”. An astonishing record, which would stand well in the charts. 10/10

“But I can’t stop now
I've got troubles of my own
Because im short on time
Im lonely and im too tired to talk”

8- Sunshine

I wasn’t sure about this track at first as it starts with a really hippy sound with strange lyrics, such as “I hold you in my hand, a little animal, and only some dumb idiot would let you go”. As the song progresses into the chorus, the pace soon picks up with Chaplin showing off his girly-high voice. The track keeps its hippy sound throughout, giving it a breezy and summer feel. 7/10

“Can anybody find their home?
Out of everyone, can anybody find their home?
Lost in the sun can anybody find their home?
Come on, come on, come on,
Can anybody find their home?

9- This is the last time

This is one of the strongest tracks on the album and the lyrics and sound are absolutely superb. It starts quietly, slowly introducing Hughes on the drums, and soon the song is in full swing.
Chaplin really shows us how strong his voice and range are on this track as he belts out “This is the last time”. Hughes also really comes into his own here, holding the stage for this fantastic Keane classic. Rice-Oxley once again shocked me with his solo- this man is a musical genius. This song should really be re-released as it’s so catchy and would surely top their previous success. 9/10

“The last time you fall on me for anything you like
Your one last line
You fall on me for anything you like
And years make everything alright
You fall on me for anything you like
And I, no I don’t mind”

10- On a day like today

This track starts so slowly and if it wasn’t for the passionate lyrics and Chaplin’s voice, this track would hold no credibility. The song slowly quickens and Chaplin can really make the hairs stand on the back of your neck as he sings “I can never find the words to say, and I don’t know why” making for a fantastic ending. Not the strongest track, but a good filler non-the-less. 7/10

“If you only knew
The way I feel Id really love to tell you
But I can never find the words to say
And I don’t know why”

11-Untitled 1

This is surely the weakest track, with Chaplin actually sounding bored. This track has a very spacey feel to it as Chaplin’s voice is muffled and very peaceful dolphin music plays in the background. The lyrics are dowdy on this track, and I know some of their B sides that would have filled this space better. 5/10

“Who ate your heart?
Your cold inside
You’re not the one I hoped for
I see you on the other side
I’ll see you on the other side”

12- Bedshaped

This is a fantastic ending to a fantastic album. It starts slow making you feel that it’s another ballad, but surprisingly it soon brakes into an incredible and breathtaking chorus where Chaplin once again belt’s out the lyrics in his usual heartbreaking and profound way. This song just rages with Chaplin’s anger and confusion making you have to stop and listen.
My only criticism for this track is that once again I think someone was too eager to play about with the keyboards sound effects- boys and their toys!

“Many’s the time I ran with you down
The rainy roads of our old town
Many the lives we lived in each day
And buried altogether”

* Overall*

This is a superb debut album with Keane really silencing all their critics. Lyrically this album is spectacular and best of all, it’s consistent. Chaplin has a brilliant voice, which is unique and really stands out. I just hope that with the new added pressure of fans and the media, that their second album will be as good.

I really feel that we still have the best to come from Keane, and I am sure that once more people get to hear them perform live, Keane will be shown for what they really are- a truly spectacular indie band.

Good tracks- 10/12

My rating- 9/10

* Added information *

I bought this in Woolworths for £12.99 and I have seen it available on Amazon and eBay for roughly £8.

To get on Keane’s mailing list, contact them through their web page on Keanemusic.com

Happy listening!