In an age of music where quantity is a main ingredient, many bands fall to the wayside. However, with the release of British band Keane's sophomore record, "Under the Iron Sea," they have been able to break through a crowded music scene with alternative instrumental rock that continues to evolve.
The band has managed to expand on their already-inventive musical format. The album offers more instrumental solos than the last, while many songs also vary in tempo, giving it much more of an explorative essence.
Keane still maintains their style with gems like "Hamburg Song," a relaxed and low-key number. However, with "Leaving So Soon," the band picks up the pace and uses the piano as a rock and roll tool.
Freshman album "Hopes and Fears" included many songs that had sounded eerily similar to each other. The whole effort never really moved from the contented tone it started out with - even though the sound was lucid and relaxing, the depth of the music seemed fairly shallow.
Combining these old and new styles results in a few select songs that succeed in harnessing the best of both worlds with worthy songs such as "Nothing in My Way" and "The Frog Prince." Both tracks mix relaxing chords with harder, faster lyrics to create something extraordinary.
While "Under the Iron Sea" may come off as oddly experimental to their original fans, the new album surpasses the band's debut in both quality and diversity.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
