Single Review: Keane, 'Perfect Symmetry'

Following hard on the heels of the brilliantly absurd mid-90s pop of ‘Spiralling’ is a new Keane single, ‘Perfect Symmetry’. The name feels appropriate, as it marks a return to the ringing piano and uplifting melodies that saw their debut outsell the likes of Gwen Stefani and Scissor Sisters back in 2004.

Keane are still commonly viewed as a better example of bland than band, which is a shame; post-rehab, Tom Chaplin may remain baby-faced but when bellowing, “Oh boy, you ought to leave this town!” he sounds more fearless than a bulletproof Iggy Pop. Chaplin claims this is their “anthem of peace”... a bold statement, but confronted by the Killers-style communal synth sing-a-long three minutes in, even Dubya would be hesitating over the big red button marked ‘WAR’.

Forge Music says, 4/5


Jeremy Peel