Keane

Night Train EP (Interscope)

By Amanda Stovall
Published: June 13th, 2010 | 7:00am

Everybody’s changing, even Keane—the proof is in Night Train. The latest EP from the British trio is a far-flung departure from their previous piano rock ballads that merited wide comparisons to the melodic hooks of Coldplay. Night Train, created while on tour for 2008’s Perfect Symmetry, could be viewed in one of several lights: the band is having a major identity crisis; the band is trying to keep up with the cool crowd where the new buzz word is “collaboration;” or the band is trying something new just for the heck of it. Regardless, as a longtime fan of the lovely melodies Keane is both loved and heckled for, it’s jarring to hear a hip-hop interlude on one of their records. A prime example is the single “Stop for a Minute.” With synths and traditional Arabic music voice inflections, it’s clear the trio has jumped from their comfortable swing set to a different playground full of new artists ready to add their unique stamp to songs that were otherwise fine without them.

“Ishin Denshin (You’ve Got to Help Yourself),” finds the band collaborating with baile funk emcee Tigarah, resulting in a strange Disney-esque “it’s a small world” disco tea party. “Your Love” completely turns its back on Keane’s formerly beloved piano for electronically generated melodies, but finds its footing in the memorable chorus lines the group is known for. As the song says, “Time has a knack of pulling the rug out from underneath us / But I’m still a victim of your love,” and the trio has certainly pulled the rug out from under their fan’s expectations, but the changes won’t be enough to detour those who are true victims of love for Keane.

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Interscope Records