Synthesized pop

Continuing the trend we saw so many bands get into over the last year and a half are the new CDs of England’s Keane and Sweden’s The Radio Dept. The trend would be to make smart, intelligent pop music that’s fused with a significant smattering of synthesizers, in order to create a “wall of sound” that does pay a respectful nod to the ‘80s, while still sounding fresh and vibrant.

Night Train — Keane (MCA Music, Inc.) This is an eight-song EP, with songs that were composed in the midst of Keane’s Perfect Symmetry tour. Stronger than ever, they’ve departed from their traditional piano-driven pop rock, and moved to synth pop territory. Further expanding that new musical vision, they have two excellent tracks with rapper K’Naan — one even samples the rocky theme (Looking Back). And on Ishin Denshin (You’ve Got to Help Yourself), a Ryuichi Sakamoto penned track, Japanese MC Tigarah is a guest vocalist. On Your Love, Tim Rice-Oxley actually takes over the lead vocal chores from Tom Chaplin, and acquits himself admirably. Some may find the departure too extreme, but I’ve always found much to appreciate in Keane’s music, and this is no exception.

Clinging to a Scheme — The Radio Dept (Century Media/EMI). Considered one of the top bands in the Swedish indieMusic scene, The Radio Dept comes to us like a cross between a grittier Owl City, and a funkier, more textured Kings of Convenience. If you like bands like Broken Social Scene, St. Etienne and Jesus and Mary Chain, you’ll find much to like with this CD. If their earlier albums had more to do with cerebral guitar rock, the new CD is synth pop with an indie feel. The vocals are purposely washed down, like it’s being sung from the end of the hall, and they make great use of cut/paste beats and elliptical orchestral arrangements. Heaven’s On Fire, Video Dept, and the opener, Domestic Scene are my fave tracks. It’s something different, and worth the listen.