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It's coming up to nine o'clock and Newcastle University's tiny Global Café venue is filling up nicely. We all eventually gather around the stage, all 150 of us, after having been kept outside in the freezing cold for over an hour. Nobody is complaining though, largely because of the musical treat in store for us - Keane, the current hot prospect in all things pop.
Due to the delay we are limited to two short but sweet warm up sets from the support acts, each, like Keane, tending to be piano-led. The cafeteria-like venue sways and bops gently but briefly as the bands are promptly ushered off the stage having just got there in the first place.
Ten o'clock is looming as Keane, three fresh-faced lads from down south, make the five foot journey from the side door to the stage, and a rousing welcome erupts from the chosen few in attendance. The anthemic Can't Stop Now is belted out with gusto. Tom Chaplin may be 24, but doesn't look a day over 18 and boasts a powerful and exciting voice. "I noticed tonight that the world has been turning", he sings with passion, "while I have been stood here, dithering around". Oh, we disagree, Mr Chaplin - it is clear from the sheer tightness of the piano and drums that Keane are a well-drilled outfit. Indeed, pianist Tim Rice-Oxley manages to master both his instrument and a laptop sat next to him, which is presumably behind the bass player we can hear but not see. It's still magic, though.
Their set never drops a beat, and the lack of any slow-burners may well put to rest the comparisons to Coldplay. Early single Bend And Break is met with applause and cheers alike, before we all get down to some good, old fashioned head-bopping. It's the perfect rendition of a great song, and there's little doubt among the crowd that we're witnessing special stuff. It may be epic music but it suits the small venue, and there may not be that many chances left to see Keane play to an event as small and intimate as this.
The night goes from good to better with some welcome banter from Chaplin. "We were in London this morning", he begins, which is met with a spontaneous boo. "Yeah exactly, people in Newcastle are so friendly". It may have been a cheap ploy, but it worked nonetheless, and all of sudden we are all united in our (non-serious, of course) contempt for the capital, from the 14-year-old local schoolkids at the back to the middle-England trio onstage.
Many people sing along to the fantastic Everybody's Changing, which seems to put a pleasantly surprised look on the faces of Chaplin, Rice-Oxley and Hughes. It is the new single Somewhere Only We Know, however, that transfixes everyone. Radio play has clearly done its job, and never has this cafeteria felt so grandiose. Chaplin reminds us that it is out in two days, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if every single person in attendance picks it up.
Keane leave to rapturous and genuine applause before returning a full 3 seconds later for a short but welcome encore. It includes This Is The Last Time, which looks set to be very big for them in the future. We've had an hour of Keane, which has included album tracks (album due in May), singles and their b-sides. It's been another triumphant performance, and as my radio alarm wakes me with the uplifting chorus of Somewhere Only We Know, I am left with absolutely no doubt that Keane are 2004's most exciting new band.
BUY Keane - Hopes and Fears
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