Fans of Keane get ready for their ‘Live In Manila: Strangeland Tour’

Keane. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—On October 2, be ready as British alternative rock band Keane welcomes you into their “Strangeland” through their Manila concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

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. 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. Their third album, “Perfect Symmetry,” explored and moved from their established piano-pop sound to the use of guitars for the first time.

Keane’s latest album “Strangeland,” released in May 2012 under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) 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 Jesse Quin as an official member.

In an interview with NME.com, lead vocalist Tom 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.” Pianist Tim 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.”

Drummer Richard 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’.”

Keane’s albums are out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music and Video or online via iTunes and www.MyMusicStore.com.ph

Keane is composed of Tom Chaplin on lead vocals / acoustic guitar, Tim Rice-Oxley on piano / keyboards / synthesizers, Richard Hughes on drums / percussions and Jesse Quin on bass guitar.

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 more details.

Ticket prices are at: VIP A (first 10 rows) 6340, VIP B 4760, Patron 4760, Lower Box 3170, Upper Box  1590 and General Admission 740.

“Keane Live! In Manila: Strangeland Tour” is brought to you by Trilogy Live and STRO World in cooperation with Dayly Entertainment.

Co-Presented by Jack TV and ETC. Major Sponsors: Terranova and Banco De Oro. Official Residence: EDSA Shangri-La Manila.

Media Partners include INQUIRER.net and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.