It has been 4 good years since the experimental Perfect Symmetry was released, while some loved the then new sounds of Perfect Symmetry's heavy synth and 80's influence it also alienated to an extent the fans who were more fond to the 'original' Hopes and Fears album(2004). Thus after that so called 'self-indulgent' era what does Keane have to offer to the fans now?
Though criticism has flowed about this album 'playing it safe', it is in my opinion that whilst Keane has not pushed the bonds of their sonic-frontier I strongly believe that that have certainly played to the strengths in this album.
The album opens up in the most magnificent way possible, with one of the best tracks I have ever heard, You Are Young achieves what few songs can, it is both reflective and energetic, personal, yet majestic, songs like this really take your breath away; and kicks off the album is the best way possible. The next track in the album is the all too familiar 'Silenced By The Night', whilst 'Silenced By The Night' is a great track I would usually just skip it because it has been played to death on my iPod due to the early release, it truly is a soaring anthem about love and hope, and whilst being a bit cliche it still comes out well as an anthemic crowd pleaser.
I guess the one thing that listeners can discern; is how Keane has fused the various elements of the past albums into Strangeland, and a prime example of that can be seen in 'Disconnected', which is melodious yet very haunting song about the fallout of a relation gone sour which is uptempo yet thematically heavy. The album then kick on to a very Hopes and Fears like ballad in 'Watch How You Go' which changes the tempo of the album for the next track which will blow you away!
What can I say about the next track? The song 'Sovereign Light Cafe'(SLC), is one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard, it beauty is so hard to describe in words, it truly is a masterpiece of a song which strikes at the core of the album's theme. SLC is both upbeat yet very deep and emotional truly amazing stuff. The word play in SLC is masterful as Tim Rice-Oxely effortlessly weaves in the beauty and geography of Bexhill(where the boys grew up) into a powerfully melody and an immaculate song.
The upbeat tempo the carries on as the album powers through 'On The Road', though has a few country elements to it does an amazing job of adding a measure of energy which Keane have never produced before. 'Strangeland' then dives in to a power ballad in 'The Starting Line', and like any other power ballad on a Keane album 'The Starting Line' does a wonderful job of mellowing down the previous energy and tempo of 'SLC' and 'On The Road'. Following the somber mood 'Black Rain'(completely unrelated to the book by Ibuse Masuji) dive into the recurring theme of war present in all Keane albums to date, although I do sincerely admire the song, I do find it a bit detracting from the sonic landscapes of the album and will usually skip over it, however those who loved Hopes and Fears will truly enjoy this 'blast from the past'. The album then dives into the warm and beautiful 'Neon River', aesthetically speaking 'Neon River' is a hybrid of the past three albums that combines a up-beat tempo which a haunting lyric and beautiful synths.
'Day Will Come' is the next track on the album, 'Day Will Come' follows the archetype of 'inspiring hope' song which (at least for) was kinda there just to take up space. 'In Your Own Time' follows suit with the rest of the songs on the album and is heavily reminiscent of 'Hopes and Fears' yet unique in its combination of tempo and somberness. The final song in the album is 'Sea Fog', aesthetically speak 'Sea Fog' is the most stripped down and simple song I have ever heard in any album. Consisting only of Tom Chaplin's vocal and Tim's piano along with backing vocals from the rest of the band 'Sea Fog's almost unplugged like nature only adds to the richness and warmth of the song which truly is unparalleled.
In conclusion, if you may be asking 'where has Keane headed to?' on this new musical escapade, my answer would be that they are where the should be. Though not pushing the musical boundaries of 'Strangeland' it is undoubted that 'Strangeland' is a musical culmination of all their past albums. 'Strangeland' gives you a beautiful combination of 'Hope and Fears' honesty, 'Under The Iron Sea's intensity and 'Perfect Symmetry's energy. On the whole I cannot find words the adequately describe how very much I love this album, for me it is musical beauty personified.
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