Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to have a go at anyone for not liking the new material. After all, music (like all art) is subjective... there's no right or wrong answer, no golden rule that says something is great or is rotten to the core. Trying to argue that a particular song is great and completely disregard everyone else's opinion is like re-arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic... pointless. So, before anyone shouts, I'm not trying to stifle opinion or tell people what to like... what I'm interested in/baffled by, is why people seem to be mistaking their own dislike of something as a complete disaster for everyone and thinking that by actually trying to do something different, they've sold out and betrayed themselves/their fans/their mothers/piano manufacturers/the world. Its something that genuinely leaves me scratching my head, so what better place to yatter on about it (and give my own thoughts on the bands latest tracks) than here!
We've already covered Spiralling and it came as no surprise that some people found it a bit difficult to swallow, at least initially. So let's look at the next batch of new tracks that have had a public airing over the past couple of days - namely upcoming single The Lovers Are Losing, plus Better Than This and Love Is The End. I've been listening to these tracks quite a bit now and my own opinions have been cooking away nicely. Will these reassure people that want Keane-as-we-know-them, or will it be the nail-in-the-coffin? Probably somewhere in-between...
Let It Slide + Thin Air = The Lovers Are Losing?
Let's look at The Lovers Are Losing first. If you bear in mind Tim's comment to me that the songs on the album ranged from quite Keane-esque to completely different to anything they've done previously, I'd say it's a safe bet that this one of Keane-esque ones. Melodically, this definitely has shades of UTIS era tracks, although it ploughs a synth furrow rather than going for distorted or effected piano. Its got a feel reminiscent of Thin Air and a sonic approach reminiscent of Let It Slide, though I'd say its probably stronger than either - which you'd hope, considering they were only B-sides! It seems to be a divisive one lyrically - some people seem to feel it's a bit sub-standard (putting it politely), though I don't actually agree with that at all. I've not yet got into fully dissecting the meaning of it, but I think its got some great imagery in it. The wall-of-sound approach is also a bit much for some people, who fear that the production is in danger of drowning out Tom's vocals... though I'll need to wait for a proper recording to make a proper judgement on whether the line has been crossed. And until I'm proved wrong, I'm going to maintain that there's ebow on there in the bridges... the ebow is very underrated as a guitar accessory, so I'm pleased as punch.
The disappointment on this for me is probably the fact that its came after Spiralling, actually. Its a strong song with a good melody that will get under your skin, but its not got the punch or immediacy of it's predecessor. The question therefore is whether its actually strong enough to be the first single... time will tell. Of course, given the fact that the single is coming out the week after the album (your guess is as good as mine, really!), maybe they're not focusing on it so much. Food for thought!
Ashes To Ashes, Keane Go Funky...
But from something at the Keane-esque end of the song scale, let's jump on the night train to somewhere completely different - Better Than This is Keane as you've never heard them before. First off, if you don't like to hear a generous sprinkling of Bowie influence, be prepared to be baffled/annoyed/saddened/all of the above. Kicking off in a mirror of Ashes To Ashes and its heavily chorused piano riff, this is even more different to what you'd expect Keane to do than Spiralling was, though in a different way. The vocal melody in the verses is wacky and there's lots of quirky little synth and guitar parts adding to the jaunty feel. Once the choruses come in though, the song comes alive - great backing vocals and a truly excellent piece of bass playing by Big JQ. This could be a brilliant one live... I've read a few comments were people are slating it, but give it a chance. Lyrics have a nice message behind them (reflecting on the obsession that society seems to have with the cult of celebrity and fame) and although the music is quirky, once you get into it, its actually quite a cool track! Not my favourite of the newbies, but a good one nonetheless...
Get Your Lighters Out
To finish off then, we're left with Love Is The End. The album closer has always been a key track for me when it comes to the atmosphere of a record and I'm pleased to report that the lads have come out with a slice of gold in this one. It smoulders away gently in a waltzing melody with sparce piano and electronic drums with a classic emotive vocal from Tom, before being joined by mournful violin and deep throbbing bass. It then gradually builds in emotional intensity, with musical saw and strings to elevate Tom's singing... once it hits the middle-eight then it really takes off, with the saw and strings combining to give a soaring, almost orchestral sound. This song is epic - no other word for it. I'd even go as far as saying this ranks up there with the best tracks Keane have done... in common with songs like She Has No Time and Atlantic, it has a melody that is almost heartbreakingly beautiful. The interplay between the different elements in the arrangement is sublime - wonderfully understated piano, swirling strings and the eerily beautiful sound of the musical saw. For me, this song really is a triumph and I'd defy anyone who thinks the new album will be a failure to dismiss this one. Its probably just me, but there's shades of other great songs in there such as Life Is For Living by Coldplay, Eve, The Apple Of My Eye by Bell X1 and even the wistful melancholy of a-ha during their most recent years. Expect to see couples slow-dancing to this one at gigs, folks... this is up there with the best of them for those slow, emotional moments. Amazing.
So, we pick up back were I started - given that we've heard a mix of styles already (and there's still seven more album tracks to go!), it still amazes me that some people seem to believe that Keane aren't being true to themselves and that they actually want the band play it safe and to come out with the same type of stuff that they've already done. In some ways, I can understand it - most people tend to have a natural fear of change, they don't like being taken out of the comfort zone. I can appreciate a reticence to the new directions in that sense - what I can't understand is the notion of it not being Keane... the "what happened to the band I loved?" syndrome. They moved on, they wanted to try new things... they've made a record they are genuinely enthused about, one which they've all had a very active part in shaping - one that let them actually enjoy being a band again and reinvigorated their love for each other and what they do.
In that sense, this is more of a Keane album than either of its predecessors. We should celebrate the difference, rather than bemoan the loss of a particular sound. I've not even heard the full album yet, but I titled my Tim interview as Expect The Unexpected for a reason - this was going to be a very different beast. Instrumentally, sonically, melodically - out with the old, in with the new. People need to try to approach this new album with a clear head, free of expectations on sounds or subject matter - leave your preconceptions and expectations at the door. Only then will you be able to have a chance to truly appreciate this new direction, rather than trying to compare it solely on how close or distant it is to their previous work.
Give it a chance - you might find the songs will reward you for it!