Keane - Night Train

Lets make this clear from the start - this isn't really an album. Instead, it's actually a collection of songs that Keane recorded at a whim whilst on their "Perfect Symmetry" tour. Ignoring all the Keane-haters angry reviews and the criticism Night Train receives for is disjointedness, if you take this EP and appreciate it for what it is, you'll discover a nice range of songs, that show the Keane boys experimenting with brand new sounds (including collaborations with Somali rapper K'naan and singer Tigarah.)

The EP kicks off with House Lights, a short instrumental that gets you prepared for the rest of the songs, and doesn't sound very "Keane" at all. Launching into Back in Time, you can hear the synths that were so dominant on Perfect Symmetry. It could have fit into the former album quite nicely, but holds its own here. Stop for a Minute, the Single featuring K'naan, manages to combine a catchy tune and blends Chaplin's distinctive voice and the contrast of the rapper K'naan - it works really well. Not being a fan of rap, i was surprised that i liked this. I was more surprised to find that i like the other Keane/K'naan song, Looking Back (despite the beginning being nicked from the Rocky theme tune!)

Your Love and My Shadow are not bad songs either, but do sound a bit like B-side material. Ishin Denshin (feat. Tigarah) is a let down, as the two artist don't gel together at all, and sound awkward and forced. However, the stand out song is Clear Skies, with a cracking melody that leaves you humming afterwards, Chaplin's beautiful voice, and the soft strumming of a guitar.

A mixed bag of songs, but worth a listen if you are a Keane fan of Keane (ho, ho.)

Night Train was released on 10th May 2010.