South Coast Entertainment Keane Review

On a cold, snowy Bournemouth night, Keane fans descended (at a steady pace for fear of falling over) on the B.I.C. Support act for the evening were Frankmusik appearing on their first arena tour. Unfortunately as they came onstage the floor and seats were still only about half full, maybe due to people being caught up in the icy conditions. However, thoughts of the cold were quickly put to the back of everyones minds as Frankmusik delivered their funky, techno indie sound. An upbeat remix/sample of The Stranglers Golden Brown was well received as was much of the set in fact. New single 3 Little Words received a warm response at the end of the set from a slowly filling Windsor Hall. The lead singer created an early rapport with the crowd and continuing it all the way through the gig. A good sound promises a bright future.

Half an hour passed as the crowd filled out. Ages young and old had come along to see a band renowned for both sing along tracks and an awesome show. This one didn't dissapoint.

Keane opened with The Lovers Are Losing from new album Perfect Symmetry. The active singing in the audience a sign of things to come. By the end of Everybody's Changing it was apparent the adulation bestowed upon them by the Bournemouth crowd. Every last note was greeted with applause and screaming usually associated with the last song of an evening. Tom Chaplin & the other Keane members did appear visably moved and a torrent of thank you's were needed just to begin the next song.

Midway through the show (and with the neon lights and video backdrop it was a show) all of the band members relocated to the front of the stage. The intimacy of all the band being so close to the crowd was awe inspiring. The final song of this bright light piece being B-side Snowed Under. Poignant given the outside conditions and an excellent song played with just piano and acoustic guitar.

Of course the sentimental close up feel was fired up again with some more uptempo tracks. Highlight Perfect Symmetry cited as Tom's favourite Keane track was performed with passion and vigour. Tom in particular was showing top form as lead singer and was proving why he is regarded as a current icon. Pacing and running about the stage giving energy by the bucketloads to the crowd. Stage presence indeed.

The finale of the main set included the popular Somewhere Only We Know and Crystal Ball. Again the applause was of such grandure it was as if a world record of some kind was on the cards.

The encore began with Tom on the side of the stage performing Playing Along beautifully on his own. Black Burning Heart followed with fan's favourites Is It Any Wonder? and Bedshaped completing the festivities. Bedshaped's chorus sung by just the crowd in perfect harmony. Or should that be perfect symmetry? Either way this gig certainly delivered and everyone was heading home in good spirits. Keane proved their high standards in all departments and that they are here to stay for many years to come.