The 80’s called. It wants its sound back.
Symmetry, the latest album from English rock group Keane, backtracks a few decades to pay an intense homage to their retro, synth-pop-friendly ancestors.
Right off the bat, in the first song “Spiralling,” a stream of synthesized sounds and electric beats sets the tone of the album. Initially, I was a little turned off by this. However, in a time of generic sounding bands with very little distinguishing features between them, the experimental, carefree attitude of the album is refreshing.
“Spiralling” definitely stands out on the album. The catchiest and most melodic song, it can stick in your head for the better part of the day. The track sets the tone for the theme of the album concerning life’s nonsense. Other good tracks include the second track, “The Lovers Are Losing,” and the final track “Love is The End.”
Unfortunately, the excitement slowly disappeared as the album progressed. There are no bad songs, necessarily. However, as an album, the sound becomes redundant. At a certain point each song began to sound like a reincarnated version of its prior, making for a predictable album of forgettable songs.
The main exception is the last song, “Love is The End,” an interesting end to such a high energy, upbeat album. “Love is the End” is a soulful ballad that returns to Keane’s softer, piano sound (no 80’s here). It may be too soft and depressing to close out an album, but it is still a well-crafted song.
True to their previous two albums, Keane’s song writing does not conform to the cheesy standards of the 80’s some of its sound might imply. Quality songwriting is still seen in all tracks, even in a French interlude in track 10, “Black Burning Heart.”
Keane fans should keep an open mind about the new album. The band has evolved and the new, different sound may seem unfamiliar at first. Unlike the soulful spirit of 2004’s Iron and Fears and more upbeat alternative streak in 2006’s Under The Iron Sea, Symmetry features power-pop ballads with no lack of pep (note there is much “whooping” and clapping).
You definitely have to be in the right mood to appreciate what this album has to offer (spandex and glitter recommended). If you are, you should enjoy Keane’s latest.
