Keane — Under The Iron Sea

Under The Iron Sea falls into the best-case scenario for second albums, demonstrating some musical evolution while still staying true to the sound that begat success the first time around. Opening track "Atlantic" is a ballsy choice in that it's one of a handful of tracks that depart from the band's "typical" sound. But it's also an appropriate opener, with its sweeping, epic sound that brings to mind the desolation of miles of ocean. It finally climaxes with a sweet choral second movement. "Crystal Ball" and "A Bad Dream" are hit singles waiting to happen, featuring Keane's classic pop stylings marked by Tom Chaplin's soaring vocals, synthesized guitars and deft piano work. "The Iron Sea" is an edgy, slightly unsettling instrumental experiment, while "Broken Toy" — beautiful in its slightly psychedelic complexity — also goes off the beaten track and needs a few listens to really be appreciated. Keane win this round, proving again to be masters of melody and purveyors of carefully crafted ear candy.