Keane - Night Train (2010)

Artist: Keane
Album: Night Train
Date Released: May 10, 2010
Genre: Alternative Rock/Indie

Album Review:

It's a shame that Keane has been consistently nudged into becoming Coldplay's successor. As a result, Keane has shied away from the melancholy dirges of Hopes and Fears, and took all of us by surprise with Perfect Symmetry. Night Train is their attempt to further make the stride into the pop world, combining upbeat synth tones and guest singers together to make an urban, contemporary sound. MusicOMH explains further:

"So, where 2008's Perfect Symmetry may have seemed over the top, Night Train takes that progression and amplifies it in a natural direction, adding a bit of dance-pop and hip-hop flair to the piano-based palette."

Having listened to the EP through a few times, I agree. It is very poppy and stands out even moreso than Perfect Symmetry did. And that bothers me a little bit, because a band shouldn't have a forced change to their sound to get out of a schema. Anyhow, before I go on a completely useless rant, I will say that this album marks a new stride for Keane. Whether it was a stride in the right direction or not is a tough and highly debated question (but the answer is no).

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

House Lights: As an intro track, it is a deceptive one. It is very minimal, and almost feels like you are no a night train, heading into a dark tunnel.

Back in Time: This song changes that mood. Its Interpol-like sound coupled with the synth and upbeat chorus warm the listener for what's to come.

Stop For a Minute: The obvious single off the EP is the height of Keane's progression into pop culture. With K'Naan offering lyrical lines, and the hand clap in the background, this song is a standing memorial to Keane's step forward. Although it's catchy, it's not what Keane really became prominent for. Must all bands take the pop route upon acclamation? I suppose I miss the old Keane is all...

Clear Skies: This song, in a nostalgic twist, is akin to their old aspirations. The falsetto in the chorus is done well. Possibly my favorite track.

Ishin Denshin: Ishin Denshin is a Japanese term, meaning that it is honorable to communicate with unspoken communication and not use straight talk. This song has a quirky 80's sound, with the line "see how the world goes around, you've got to help yourself". In addition, it guest features Tigarah, a Japanese singer. I deeply enjoy this track myself.

Your Love: Again, an intro that resembles The Birthday Massacre makes me scratch my head for a second or two. This is a nice mellow song.

Looking Back: ROCKY. ROCKY. RROOOOCCKKKYYY. GONNA FLY NOW. Trust me, once you listen to this song, Bill Conti is the only thing that will go through your head. That is all I can say about this song.

My Shadow: The slow song of the EP, and is more Keane-esque than any of the other songs on the album (yes, I will deny their new personality in favor of Hopes and Fears). Good ending to the EP, it makes me feel like i'm on a train going home past midnight.