Keane
Perfect Symmetry
2008, Island Records
pop, alt rock
½
Despite its title, Perfect Symmetry lacks any real musical or lyrical symmetry. The first half of this album sounds liked an overdose of ridiculous 80′s pop, while the second half is darker and slightly less pop-ish. Lyrically, the first half is more of the typical pop inanity the we’ve learned to expect from Keane. The second half, however, is more introspective and seemingly more honest.
Is the titlePerfect Symmetry meant to be ironic? If so, Keane barely succeeded because there is no clear question or answer anywhere in this record. Even the introspective moments are hardly any different than what we’ve heard in their debut. It seems Keane is still trying to break away from their Coldplay stigma, but they’re going about it the wrong way. Here’s a hint: in this genre, new lyrics make a bigger impact than old-made-new sounds.
“Love Is The End,” “Perfect Symmetry,” “Pretend That You’re Alone.”
myspace, last.fm
Keane’s Under The Iron Sea, The Killers’s Day & Age
“A Dustland Fairytale,” “Joy Ride,” “Spaceman,” and “A Crippling Blow.”
