If you think the boys from Keane are English prissy boys based upon the extra sensitive lyrics on their debut CD, Hopes and Fears, check them out live and you'll gain a whole new perspective about the Sussex trio.

To a capacity filled room of 1500 twenty-something's, Keane took the stage at the murky Showbox Theatre in Seattle WA with a detonation of sound. Who knew just a piano and drums could make such an astonishingly impressive boom? Vocalist Tom Chaplin swaggered around the small stage like a young Bono as female fans shrieked in marvel. As if Keane have been around forever, the crowd sang along to nearly every chorus of the eleven songs performed from the album. Chaplin's voice was in impeccable form as he crooned through [the] vocally challenging "The Last Time" with ease. He seemed genuinely sincere as he thanked the audience 5 times for coming out to support them in his thick English accent.

After the 'last' song, the crowd gave the young band an earsplitting ovation until they came back for the predictable encore. With the shine of a soft blue light, Keane began the set with a melodious song not found on Hopes and Fears, "Call Me What You Like", before launching into the popular "Somewhere We Only Know", to bouncing bright white lights that filled the smoky club.

If you get the chance to see Keane in a small venue, do it now as this is possibly the last time you will be up close and personal to the band. Next time, unless you're lucky enough to be in the first 10 rows, you'll be seeing them through a pair of binoculars at a stadium show.

-Tony Engelhart

Keane
Showbox Theatre, Seattle, WA
Sept. 07, 2004
www.keaneband.com

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