After the highly-publicized messiness of Tom Chaplin’s personal life, which climaxed with the cancellation of their North American tour and his stay at a rehabilitation centre in late 2006, Keane fans were worried about the future of the band and their music. Their fears were quelled when, after over two years since Under the Iron Sea, Keane released Perfect Symmetry late last year. From track one to track eleven, this release is consistently solid and vividly emotional.

Perfect Symmetry, their third studio album, documents Keane’s continued, natural progression away from their traditional piano-based sound, moving them further into an experimental, synth pop and dance realm. This album also notably marks the first time Keane includes the guitar in their music, with Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley providing the talents. Richard Hughes is strong as ever on drums and percussion. The use of new instruments breaks new ground for Keane in this release; the band brought in some unconventional sounds for this alterative rock album, including synthesizers, the saxophone, and the musical saw.

“Spiralling” has the perfect energy, kicking off the album with force and purpose. “Better Than This” is plunky and upbeat with a definite retro feel. “You Haven’t Told Me Anything” and “Again and Again” follow suite with their head-bopping rhythms. The band still embraces their mellow roots with songs like “You Don’t See Me”, “Playing Along”, and “Love Is The End”, all tracks that can only be described as classic Keane. Chaplin belts out the lyrics heartfelt and vigorous every time.

The messages behind the songs this time around are focused on newfound wisdom concerning life and love. The lyrics can be very melancholy, but the lessons behind them are those that encourage a simpler, more down-to-earth life, which anyone can relate to and understand. I am sure it would be safe to assume that their personal lives, especially the recent events of Chaplin’s life, heavily influenced the lyrical content of Perfect Symmetry. The epic title track itself singularly encapsulates the feel of the album, with Chaplin asking us and himself ‘Who are you? / What are you fighting for? / Holy truth? / Brother I choose this mortal life.’ 

Perfect Symmetry was released on October 14th in Canada. Keane will begin their UK and Latin America tours in late January. 



Track Listing:

Spiralling
The Lovers Are Losing
Better Than This
You Haven’t Told Me Anything
Perfect Symmetry
You Don’t See Me
Again and Again
Playing Along
Pretend That You’re Alone
Black Burning Heart
Love Is The End