Keane released their debut album at a time when most British rock was trending towards the glam and electroclash-influenced “dance punk” wave (think Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Bloc Party), but they rose above the pack with a mature sound that has stood the test of time. Widely considered to fall under the umbrella of Britpop, Keane distinguish themselves from the Union Jack-flying groups associated with the genre of the late 90s in two major ways: they’re not brats or hooligans, and the vast majority of their songs feature piano as the lead instrument rather than guitar. Hopes and Fears was originally released smack in the middle of the mid-00s major label vinyl drought and only received a limited run of about 5,000 copies, which is wild considering the album has been certified 9 times platinum. Island Records heard your cries and have done up a lovely reissue here in deluxe gatefold sleeve with printed insert containing lyrics and photos. Includes the still-ubiquitous “Somewhere Only We Know,” “Everybody’s Changing,” “This Is The Last Time” and “Bend & Break.”

• black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Island Records 2017

reviewed by Kurupt FM Intern 08/2017