Keane have been around for years but only really made a real impact and became wellknown in 2004 when their album 'Hopes and Fears' reached number 1 in the album charts and spawned some of the biggest hits (Everybody's Changing, Somewhere Only We Know, Bedshaped etc). Two albums and an EP later, the band return with their 4th studio album 'Strangeland' and compared to the experiental and 'darker' tones of the last few records, 'Strangeland' brings back the catchy melodies and more commercial sound from the band.

Keane are one of those bands that remain popular, but you never hear anybody talking about them and they should. In my opinion 'Strangeland' is much better than even their debut album. Tracklisting is as follows:

1. You Are Young
2. Silenced By The Night
3. Disconnected
4. Watch How You Go
5. Soverign Light Cafe
6. On The Road
7. The Starting Line
8. Black Rain
9. Neon River
10. Day Will Come
11. In Your Own Time
12. Sea Fog

I think a lot of reviewers are being unfair by describing this album as bland. It's an album full of 'sing along' tracks with catchy melodies, guitars and strings. The lead single 'Silenced By The Night' is a true representation of what the album is like. If you've heard that track then you'll know its a very poppy radio-friendly track. Forthcoming single 'Soverign Light Cafe' is an obvious choice for a single and is one of the catchiest songs on the album and guarenteed to have you singing along to it. I think overall 'Disconnected' is my favourite song on the album, it's typical Keane and a track that would fit perfectly on the debut album.

Other highlights on the album include the heartwarming ballad 'Watch How You Go', 'On The Road' is a upbeat pop track that stands out on the album. 'Neon River' also seems to be an early favourite amongst the fans. The trio of 'The Starting Line', 'Day Will Come' and 'In Your Own Time' are perfect pop offerings and the album closer 'Sea Fog' is a dreamy beautiful ballad that brings the album to a perfect close.

I would reccomend this album to anybody who enjoyed the bands first album. Although i'm not overly familliar with their later albums, if you liked that song 'A Bad Dream' from their second album then again, this album will be for you.

The album is one of my highlights for 2012. It's a great album and shows what the band are capable of.