Exclusive Interview: Arjan Chats with Keane (Part 2 of 2)

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Keane's excellent new EP "Night Train" was directly inspired by the trio's extensive world tour that took them to all the corners of the world in 2008 and 2009.

While on the road performing headlining show in 28 countries, the group wrote, recorded and produced the entire album. As a result, "Night Train" is a musical compilation of their global adventures, much like a musical souvenir, featuring a diverse set of songs and sonic flavors with unexpected collaborators.

In the second and final part of my interview with Keane's lead songwriter Tim Rice-Oxley, we chatted extensively about life on the road and about his favorites places to visit and perform. We also talked about what fans can expect from Keane musically in the not so distant future.

Continue reading "Exclusive Interview: Arjan Chats with Keane (Part 2 of 2)" »


Exclusive Interview: Arjan Chats with Keane (Part 1 of 2)

Keane-interview

Following the worldwide success of their first three albums, the members of Keane will be treating us to a very special EP release on May 11. Titled "Night Train," this new effort features a collection of songs that were all written and recorded during the band’s extensive Perfect Symmetry world tour in 2008 and 2009.

The result of their global escapades and performing shows in 28 countries is a very diverse album that is flavored with with a variety of musical styles, global rhythms and exciting new soundscapes - ranging from '80s flavored electro-pop to energetic acoustic rock to their signature pop balladry that I still melt for every time.

Last month, I caught up with Keane's massively talented and super nice Tim Rice-Oxley (pictured left) to chat about "Night Train," traveling around the world and the future of Keane. Read on for the first part of our interview. Part 2 will be featured on the blog tomorrow. (A very special thanks to all the amazing Keane fans that submitted their questions for the interview on Facebook.)

Continue reading "Exclusive Interview: Arjan Chats with Keane (Part 1 of 2)" »


Keane "Night Train" Track by Track Album Review

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Keane's "Night Train" sounds like a record the British trio had to make to get some musical urges out of their system. Listening to this album, it seems that after producing some of pop's most gorgeous ballads ever, the group wanted to let loose, let their hair down and have some fun with it.

The result is a very diverse pop record that is a classy, accomplished blend of musical styles, global rhythms and exciting new soundscapes - ranging from '80s flavored electro-pop to energetic acoustic rock to their signature pop balladry. Following the excellent "Perfect Symmetry," this new effort demonstrates once again that Tom Chaplin, Tim Rice Oxley and Richard Hughes are able to keep their new music fresh and invigorated while always presenting a sound that is undeniable their own.

To be released in the U.S. on May 11, the album also includes Somali rapper K'Naan and Japanese baile funk emcee Tigarah who add a distinct global flavor to "Night Train." Pretty fitting as most of this record was written and recorded while the group was touring across the globe last year. Here a quick run-down of the album's 8 tracks that make up Keane's fourth studio album:

Your Love
A throbbing, mid-tempo '80s flavored synth-pop gem that features the rare lead vocals of Tim Rice-Oxley. At first his voice took me off guard as his style and vocal inflection is very similar to Tom Chaplin's, but his vocals are smoother, slicker. Reminiscent of A-ha's Morten Harket. Gorgeous, sparkly chorus and an epic middle eight that sent chills up my spine. Very good and a track that clearly echoes the melodic sentiments of "Hopes & Fears." This is one of my favorite tracks on "Night Train" and will certainly be a fan favorite as well.

Stop For Minute
This celebratory track features the much-anticipated collaboration with Somali rapper K'Naan. The song is unmistakable a Keane production though with its instantly catchy piano-driven melody. K'Naan duets with Tom in the verses and chorus of the song, and lays down some rhymes during the bridge towards the end of the song. "Stop For Minute" packs a powerful, positive message and has a great singalong chorus.

My Shadow
Third track on the album is a signature Keane ballad that primarily relies on Tim's pacing piano work and Tom's angelic vocals. A great reminder of why Keane is a world-class band. So beautiful. "Shine a light on me and you will see my shadow on every wall," Tom sings.

Looking Back
Fun, brassy tune with a stomping horn section. Has a bit of bossa nova flavor to it. Would not be surprised if the guys wrote this during their South American tour dates. K'Naan adds a few of his raps, which is unexpected but totally works.

Ishin Denshin (You've Got To Help Yourself)
A very joyous electro-pop cover of the Yellow Magic Orchestra song that features Japanese baile funk MC Tigarah. This song was a truly international endeavor. Tim worked on the original idea on a plane, Richard recorded the drums in D.C., Tom did his vocals in Copenhagen, Tigarah did hers in L.A. and the group finished it off on a tour bus. I must say that the result feels a little disjointed - Tigarah's vocals don't gel all that well with Tom's.

House Lights
Brief atmospheric interlude without vocals. Has a great cinematic quality to it.

Clear Skies
This song features Keane like you rarely hear them. Song starts off acoustically with handclaps, guitars and Tom's vocals, which gradually build to the chorus when drums, bass and xylophone are added. This is a really fun experimentation with different instruments that works well and continues to grow on me the more I hear it. You can hear how bands like Radiohead and Blur inspired this track.

Back In Time
The tracks opens with frantic, jagged synths much like the opening of "Is It Any Wonder" that is repeated in the chorus. "Back In Time" is how Keane does rock and roll.


Keane To Release "Night Train" in May

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Here's something to really look forward to.

Keane is arguably one of the most gifted pop bands of the last decade. Tim Rice-Oxley's heartfelt songwriting and Tom Chaplin's instantly recognizable vocals are a powerful combination that has led to memorable songs like "Somewhere Only We Know," "Crystal Ball" and "Nothing In My Way" to name just a few.

But what I truly appreciate about Keane is that they are not to afraid to break out of their comfort zone and try something new and different. Whether that is recording totally fun covers like their remake of Destiny Child's "Bootylicious" or teaming up with dance producer Stuart Price to record the incredibly "Perfect Symmetry," which is one of the most underrated records over the last 5 years.

On their forthcoming new album, titled "Night Train," the group once again ventures into new territory, going beyond the sweet balladry they are mostly know for.

"Night Train features eight powerful new tracks and includes genre-busting collaborations with Somali rapper K'naan and Japanese rapped MC Tigarah (remember this?). For the first time, Tim Rice-Oxley also contributes vocals to the album. Songs for this new record were written and recorded during the band’s "Perfect Symmetry" world tour that saw them playing to arenas in 28 countries.The album takes its title from the band's favourite mode of transportation during the tour.

"Night Train" is to be released on Cherrytree/Interscope Records in the U.S. on May 11. The band who has had three consecutive #1 albums in their native UK andhave played sold out shows throughout the US will also soon announce tour dates in North America for this coming spring.

UPDATE: Listen to a brand-new track the group recorded for a Haiti Relief compilation. The band goes French.


Keane and Raphael Saadiq Duet on "Everyday People"

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This is simply amazing. Keane and GRAMMY nominated soul crooner Raphael Saadiq teamed for a one-off duet of the classic "Everyday People" on a French culture show this weekend. It's so surprising, magnificent and intensely soulful. Interscope should rush to get this out as an iTunes single pronto. Some of the best things come when you least expect them. It might even give Keane's "Perfect Symmetry" another (well-deserved) shot in the U.S.

Watch Keane & Raphael Saadiq "Everyday People"