Part 2 of the Keanology: Under The Iron Sea

Ohhh yeah my faithful* audience I'm back! Amazing isn't it. Well now I will be continuing the second part of the Keanology "Under The Iron Sea"

Under The Iron Sea (or UTIS just to shorten it), is quite a stark contrast from Hopes and Fears. UTIS explores much darker, deeper and sinister themes, the overriding message of UTIS is the theme of 'a fairytale gone wrong'. This theme links directly into the lives of the members Tom, Richard and Tim who's lives were changed with the great and unprecedented success of Hopes and Fears although the success was positive the pressures of heavy touring and infighting within the band brought out the majority of the dark theme within the album .... well now to some actual reviewing .... sorry

Tonally UTIS can clearly be related back to Hopes and Fears although it is obvious from the get-go that there are some major changes. Theme wise the album is much darker than Hopes and Fears, UTIS explores themes such as the fear of loneliness(Atlantic), war (Is it any wonder?/ A Bad Dream) however even within the doom and gloom of the first half of the album there shines a beacon of hope. Though there are some dark themes explored throughout the second half of UTIS hope becomes the central theme songs such as Hamburg Song, Put it Behind You and Try Again breath new life into the album and creates great contrast to the initial themes conveyed.

Music wise it doesn't really get better than this, for me UTIS is pretty much a modern masterpiece which in my mind equal the greats. Tim Rice-Oxley yet again has woven beautiful songs that speak to the audiences that music isn't about 'sex, drugs and rock'n'roll' but rather say plainly that music is a expression of life itself. Every note, riff, vocal line in this album was well though through. There seems to be no lack of direction in the album which seamlessly is put together. When describing the sonic pallet of UTIS the word unique comes to mind, Tim Rice-Oxley's brilliant usage of the piano still amazes with an increased usage of distorted piano (using guitar based effects) adds texture and dept to the music.

Overall for a band consisting of 3 members without a bassist or a guitarist they have certainly accomplished a great deal. Under The Iron Sea for me is, and always will be the best album of all time. Under The Iron Sea possess all the qualities of a masterpiece, brilliance, emotivity and what all musicians should aspire to, authenticity. In short I am giving this album a 10/10, although first impressions may not be the best I will promise this, Under The Iron Sea grows soo much on you and soon after a few listens you should find yourself deep within the 'fairytale gone wrong'.


Recommended Listens: Everything it's all killer stuff