Keane live in Manila on October 2

MANILA, Philippines—British alternative rock band Keane will have their first ever gig in Manila on October 2.

Keane is one of the biggest British rock bands in the world. Led by singer Tom Chaplin, the lineup is completed by pianist Tim Rice-Oxley, drummer Richard Hughes and bassist Jesse Quin. The band is known as the “band with no guitars,” because of their use of a piano (or a synthesizer) as the lead instrument in their songs. Rice-Oxley said in an interview that they tend to think piano-related music is boring and what they really wanted to do was try something different.

Keane achieved mainstream success with the release of their debut album, “Hopes and Fears” in 2004.  Lead singles “Somewhere Only We Know” is one of the greatest hits of 2004. The album sold more than nine million copies worldwide, and won a Brit Award for Best Album in 2005. In addition, the band also won the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act, voted by listeners of BBC Radio 1.

Success continued with their second studio album, “Under the Iron Sea,” which topped the album charts in the UK and debuted at an impressive No.4 on the US Billboard 200 chart. This album marked the transition from piano-driven songs in their first album to more progressive, sophisticated music, again without using guitars.

“Perfect Symmetry” was their third album released in October 2008. It reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart within a week of release, and No.7 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Earlier that year, both “Hopes and Fears” (number 13) and “Under the Iron Sea” (number 8) were voted by readers of the UK-based Q magazine as among the best British albums ever. In “Perfect Symmetry,” the band explored and moved from their established piano-pop sound and made use of guitars for the first time.

In 2009, Keane became the first band ever to broadcast a live show in 3D. Filmed at Abbey Road, fans bought 3D glasses along with the band’s new single at that time, “Better Than This.”  Their fourth No.1 album, the Night Train E, released in 2010 could be considered a studio album since it had eight new songs.

The band’s latest album “Strangeland,” released in May 2012 debuted at No.1 on the UK Albums chart. This feat made them one of three bands in UK pop history to have five consecutive Number 1 albums. It’s the first album to feature bassist Quin as an official member.

In an interview with NME.com, Chaplin said, “The album has the vibe of earlier Keane. 2008’s “Perfect Symmetry” was a big self-indulgent and this record felt a bit more like we knew ourselves a bit better and what our strengths were.” Rice-Oxley added: “We wanted it be less production led and focus on making sure that the songs were great. You write a lot of shit songs to get to the good ones.”

Hughes said, “In many respects, it feels like the completion of a circle. On the album you have songs that draw upon the experiences we used to share as kids, growing up in Battle. You can never really go back, of course. We’re married. Some of us have kids. Once in a while though, after a good day, we’ll go to the local pub and talk about everything and nothing until it’s time to go home. Whatever it is that makes us Keane – that invisible glue – is still there. And you can hear it all over ‘Strangeland’.”

Since their debut, Keane’s music has won over the hearts of music fans all over the world, especially those in Manila. Catch Keane live in Manila on October 2 at SM Mall of Asia’s The Arena. Tickets are available at www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222. For sponsorship please call 415-35555. (advt)