Keane - Hopes and Fears [Japan]

The English music press can never let anyone be. They're always quick to hail the next big thing and, in this case, the next big Coldplay is Keane. Lowgold briefly held that title upon its debut release in 2001, but U.K. critics rushed to give that crown to someone else just because that's what they like to do. Keane didn't ask for it, but perhaps it's the overall majestic presentation of the band's debut album, Hopes And Fears, that does it. That and the fact that the Sussex trio doesn't rely on a formula of lilting melodies and feverish guitars to carry the weight of the album. Read More