Cause And Effect - CD Music

Keane is a British alternative rock band formed in 1995 in Battle, East Sussex. The band is known for its melodic sound, emotive lyrics, and distinctive use of the piano as the primary instrument instead of the guitar, which has set them apart from many other contemporary rock bands. The band's classic line-up includes Tom Chaplin (lead vocals), Tim Rice-Oxley (keyboardist and main songwriter), Richard Hughes (drummer) and, initially, Dominic Scott (guitarist), who left the band in 2001, shortly before its global success.

Keane's real success began with the release of his debut album, Hopes and Fears, in 2004. This album was a massive success, reaching the top of the charts in the UK and selling millions of copies worldwide. Hopes and Fears included some of the band's biggest hits, such as "Somewhere Only We Know", "Everybody's Changing", and "Bedshaped". "Somewhere Only We Know" has become one of the band's anthems and remains one of their best-known and most beloved songs.

Keane's sound on Hopes and Fears was characterized by melancholic melodies, introspective lyrics, and a clean production that highlighted the prominent use of the piano. The lack of guitars in most of the songs gave the band a unique sound that stood out in the music scene of the time, where heavier rock and electronic music dominated the charts.

In 2006, Keane released his second album, Under the Iron Sea, which was met with great anticipation. The album continued the band's success, reaching number one in the UK charts again. Under the Iron Sea presented a darker and more experimental sound, with themes that reflected internal tensions in the band, as well as external pressures stemming from sudden success. Songs like "Is It Any Wonder?" and "Crystal Ball" showed a band willing to explore new musical territories while still maintaining their melodic foundation.

Keane's third album, Perfect Symmetry (2008), represented a change of direction for the band. With stronger influences from electronic music and 80s pop, the album presented a more optimistic and vibrant sound. Singles such as "Spiralling" and "The Lovers Are Losing" showcased Keane's ability to evolve and adapt their sound, while still maintaining the melodic sensibility that had made them popular.

In 2010, the band released the EP Night Train, which included collaborations with artists such as Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan. This project showed the band's willingness to continue experimenting and expanding their musical horizons.

After a brief hiatus, Keane returned in 2012 with the album Strangeland, which marked a return to the more traditional and introspective sound that characterized his early work. The album was well-received by fans and included singles such as "Silenced by the Night" and "Disconnected".

Keane went on hiatus again after the Strangeland tour, with the band members focusing on solo projects. Tom Chaplin released two solo albums, The Wave (2016) and Midpoint (2022), which were well received and showed the continuity of his talent as a vocalist and songwriter.

In 2019, Keane announced his return with the album Cause and Effect. The album was inspired by personal events, especially the difficulties Tom Chaplin faced with drug addiction and subsequent recovery, as well as the divorce from Tim Rice-Oxley. Songs such as "The Way I Feel" and "Love Too Much" were acclaimed for their lyrical honesty and the continuity of the band's melodic signature.

Keane continues to be a beloved band, with a loyal fan base around the world. Their ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and melodic has secured them a lasting place in the alternative rock scene. The band's distinctive sound, led by the expressive voice of Tom Chaplin and the introspective songwriting of Tim Rice-Oxley, continues to resonate and inspire fans around the world.