Keane

Keane are finally able to shake off the "boring" label that has haunted them since their early days, thanks to the driving pop of "Spiralling," the opening track of Perfect Symmetry. By adding guitars and synthesisers into the mix and creating something reminiscent of the more commercial days of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, they've suddenly become a lot more interesting. And it turns out they might have a future as a pop band. Unfortunately they aren't able to sustain that momentum and by the time they reach the midway point they are resorting to their old tricks. Actually, that isn't entirely true - they are blander and more boring this time out. Plus, there are some shockingly bad lyrics that remind everyone how earnest Keane were all along and how this might just be an act. Nevertheless, it's still an impressive shift for a band that looked like they had lost their relevance quite some time ago.