Perfect Symmetry

Welcome to another edition of Press Play. Hi. How are you? I really don’t feel introductions are needed in this particular case, since most, if not all of you have already heard the mellifluous sounds of our featured artist. Breaking out onto the scene in 2004, Keane confirmed our long-standing suspicions that we’d been looking at Alternative-Rock all wrong. Before, the collective notion was that Alternative meant Heavy Rock or something along those lines. But when we first overheard the opening hymn of Somewhere Only We Know, we slowly began to understand that the preconceived notions about certain genres were completely unfitting. This was something entirely new – at least to my ears. Never before had there been such a unique resonance as the kind Keane had bestowed upon us – balancing between the borders of intense Indie Rock and transformed Piano Rock. With four albums under their belt now, and countless singles and EP’s, Keane has undeniably secured a spot amongst music’s greatest.

Once upon a time, eight years ago actually (Seriously? Wow), we were first introduced to Somewhere Only We Know – the first single off Keane‘s debut album, Hopes and Fears. An instant favorite, you could hardly find a radio station or Starbucks that wasn’t playing this song on repeat. Picturesque romanticized lyrics, escalated swells of piano, and Tom Chaplin’s unique lead vocals all converge to create this passionate love song we will forever adore. It’s one of those simple songs that you sporadically visit again and again, only to recall how much you liked it in the first place.

“Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I’m getting old and I need something to rely on.”

Under the Iron Sea (Album #2) gave us an acrimonious, melancholy version of the band’s former sound – though it continually stays as my all-time favorite Keane record, for the moment, at least. Is It Any Wonder? is one of the more livelier tracks on the album, pure Rock twisted with Alternative synths and guitars. The pleading lyrics are masked by the energetic melodies, but the fight between them end in a harmonious bond.

“Sometimes I get the feeling that I’m stranded in the wrong time, where love is just a lyric in a children’s rhyme.”

Keane‘s fourth full-length studio album, Strangeland, premiered only recently to fans eagerly awaiting ears. The songs are a collection of lyrical styles and rhymes, the very best of each previous Keane album. Sovereign Light Café has been steadily gaining my favor, becoming one of my favorites on the record. Reminiscent of the melodic themes of the band’s initial start – while lyrical wiser – the song is catchy in a way that is unassuming. Days or hours after listening to the tune, you might find yourself reciting the chorus – a sure sign of the song’s impact. The euphonious strains stay with you. It’s the signature optimistic standout love song.

“I’m begging you for some sign, but you’ve still got nothing to say. Don’t turn your back on me. Don’t walk away.”

What did you think of this week’s Press Play artist? What’s your favorite Keane song? Favorite record? Do you have any music recommendations for me? What songs and artists have you been listening to recently? Tell me in the comments!

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