Music Preview: Night Train by Keane

So Keane is coming out with a new EP on May 10th. It was recorded while on tour promoting their last album, Perfect Symmetry. From what I've heard so far, this is pretty much the opposite of that. It's not quite like Hopes and Fears or Under the Iron Sea, but it's closer to them than Perfect Symmetry. Hell, as long as the synth is gone, it's better by default. In fact, the four released songs (with is actually about half the album) are already better than the majority of the tracks on their previous effort. Two of the songs collaborate with K'Naan, a Somali-Canadian rapper. It seems like it's a set up for utter failure, yet it sounds natural. Another track incorporates the sounds of Tigarah, a Japanese Ballie Funk emcee. Strange? Yes. But that doesn't mean it won't come out sounding well. I've never heard of half the people on Plastic Beach, yet it all worked out just fine. Listen to the four released tracks after the break.
"Stop for a Minute"
The EP's single featuring K'Naan.


"Looking Back"
Another track with K'Naan. Rocky vibe is done intentionally.


"My Shadow"
The most traditional Keane song from the EP released so far. Piano is in, synth is out. Reminds me a bit of Phil Collins.


"Clear Skies"
This happens to be my favorite of the four. It features guitar rather than piano, but they make up for that with a xylophone. Haunting and beautiful. I hope their next studio album takes a similar direction. Video is unofficial, by the way.