After the chart-steamrollering success of their 2004 debut album Hopes and Fears, singer Tom Chaplin’s drug and alcohol habit meant issues had gone badly awry by the point Keane took an “indefinite hiatus” 10 years in the past. Nevertheless, right here they’re, packing out arenas at the least partly because of the startling second lifetime of debut single Someplace Solely We Know, a TikTok phenomenon which has notched up a-billion-and-a-half streams.
The band, who reformed in 2019, appear as stunned as anybody to be right here. “Hopes and Fears … 20 years. It’s unimaginable,” beams Chaplin, and but Keane have grown into their very own pores and skin. The singer is a much more achieved frontman than the relatively earnest, self-conscious performer he as soon as was. Together with his rake skinny physique, quick gray hair, Rishi Sunak size trousers and voice that soars into the choruses, Chaplin owns the stage as effortlessly as if he was in entrance of his bed room mirror. The band are observe excellent, however have the endearing physique language of childhood associates who’ve had their ups and down and are relishing a second likelihood.
The presentation – white mild bathing a white stage that extends into the viewers – emphasises how minimal instrumentation (voice, bass, piano, drums) produces a sound that’s epic and atmospheric however by no means bombastic. Maybe Keane have been by no means as bland as some folks stated they have been, however age and experiences have introduced emotional wallop. Chaplin even admits to being “a bit tearful” because the extremely enthusiastic crowd shriek in appreciation and type a massed choir of woah woahs.
It’s not all about “that track”. The likes of All people’s Altering, Good Symmetry and the beautiful Sovereign Mild Café hit related candy spots between agony and ecstasy. Nonetheless, Someplace Solely We Know is met with a sea of individuals filming on their telephones and tightly hugging {couples}. Written by pianist Tim Rice-Oxley in his dad and mom’ entrance room, the track remembers a particular place in childhood and, as 1000’s sing it right here, has clearly change into a supply of consolation and pleasure to a mess of others.
after publication promotion
Touring the UK till 11 Could; then Europe and festivals into the summer season
This text was amended on 5 Could 2024. An earlier model incorrectly stated that Tom Chaplin had had a marital breakdown, and misnamed Tim Rice-Oxley as “Tom”. Additionally, the three Keane members have been childhood associates; there weren’t 4 associates.
