Last night Keane returned to town, this time for a show at Constitution Hall. I had hoped to catch them when I was in LA, but didn’t, and I wouldn’t have another opportunity. I hadn’t purchased a ticket, so I used my friend Craig and found one for nearly half off. I made a quick Indian meal for Jill and I, then headed into DC. I took a gamble that nearby parking would be easier to obtain more than an hour after the show started, and I was right. I walked over, met my seller at the door, and headed to my seat.
I’d timed it perfectly, caught the last few songs from the second act, and was ready for Keane when they came out. They put on a great show as usual – wasn’t as nice as the last time they were in town at the 9:30 Club, but mostly due to the always inconsistent sound at Constitution Hall (very bass heavy last night). The new album has some more synth pop songs, as well as guitar, but live the new songs fit in well with the older ones. As you might expect the set was weighted with songs off the first album, and they all got huge responses (especially “Everybody’s Changing” and “Somewhere Only We Know”). But the “Crystal Ball” and “Is It Any Wonder?” (singles off the second) were also popular, as well as “Spiralling” off the new one. Tom’s voice still is amazing, and there’s added texture live now that they’ve added a bassist/percussionist.
