Keane

“I’ll meet you on the other side”

Two songs into the set and Keane’s vocalist Tom Chaplin has articulated what the crowd are already thinking, for Keane are destined for much greater things. Their brand of infectious piano-driven pop is both original and accessible; a great combination. Chaplin’s voice is ambitious, dancing through high octaves with ease and confidence. This is a band who know they are on the up and the audience are appreciative of being able to witness the beginning of what is surely to be a succesful journey.

Each song sticks in the memory; each a potential single, each a delight. Richard Hughes, on drums, adds a spritely flavour to the hooks and harmonies pouring from Tim Rice-Oxley’s keyboard. Comparisons with Coldplay miss the mark, for Keane are everything that dullards Chris Martin & co. aren’t – enjoyable, engaging, worthy. Chaplin’s voice is endearing; at times edgy, not dissimilar to **The Walkmen**’s vocalist, but at other times closer to the gracefulness of fellow Sussex inhabitants, The Electric Soft Parade. The hype-mongers are waiting in the wings, for Keane are a special band. A band who would look as comfortable playing Wembley as they do in Northampton on a Tuesday night.

For now though, let’s savour the refreshing music Keane have to offer. No guitars, no faux-art-school attitude, just pop of the bubbliest order. The word pop, however, should not distract from the craftsmanship of the music. It is not annoyingly invasive like so many of the chart successes, just tuneful melodies and crashing crescendos. In the current climate of mind-numbing Antipodean nonsense, Keane offer a lush clarity.