These guys, childhood friends, had been together as a band for a good seven years before most of us had ever heard of them. Bursting onto the stage of international stardom in 2004 when their first full length album saw release (following four singles since 2000). For a lot of bands the stigma which can result from instant stardom proves too heavy a burden to bear and for fans as well being bombarded with Keane's music (four hit-singles were gleaned from Hopes and Fears) the result can be overexposure. But Keane seems to have had the stuff underneath with which to stay grounded and reach into for a follow-up which proves they take their evolving creativity serious and are still riding that, so elusive for many, wave of popular appeal through album number two.

Under the Iron Sea is a worthy sophomore effort and although I've seen a lot of lukewarm reviews on how it compares to their debut, I have to admit some disagreement with that assessment. This album is a progression for the band and their sound is continuing to evolve and to stake out some original territory. There are still some hints of where these guys came from musically (U2, Oasis) and where they are with their contemporaries (Coldplay) but the vocal styles and the way these songs are arranged and executed is at the same time contemporary and unique without straying from the upbeat appeal of modern day British pop rock.

There are just as many standout numbers here which you'll want to play on repeat as anything on Hopes and Fears. I was particularly taken right away with 'Nothing in My Way' first and then found myself seeking out 'Is It Any Wonder' (which I believe was the first single from Under the Iron Sea), 'Atlantic', 'Leaving So Soon' and 'Bad Dream' (which actually sounds heavily influenced by something on McCartney's 'Off the Ground' which I haven't heard used as inspiration very often although there's probably lots to inspire on any of McCartney’s albums). Given the above, this is an ever so slightly more somber album dealing with lyrical themes which are a little more complex and not as overtly upbeat as those on Hopes and Fears. (Perhaps that was the 'hopes' and now these are the 'Fears'). But the album does so without ever forgetting it’s a pop rock album by a pop rock band.

All told, I feel that what is under the sea is pretty interesting and catchy and definitely worth exploring.
I believe that given some time this album will grow slightly in critical acclaim. Not to say that it's suffered now, but it is still seems to be being viewed in terms of its inability to blow away Hopes and Fears and take the world by Keane-mania and I can't help but feel most critics are constantly looking for another Beatles (well, who isn't?). Nobody can be the Beatles again though, and most bands find that it's better to just stop trying because at the end of the day being Keane isn't all that bad anyway and Under the Iron Sea is Keane being Keane... and growing, which is probably the best anyone could or should hope for.


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving