Six days after the release of their newest album and fresh off the back of a four-year Hiatus, Keane are back.
Whether you’re conscious of it or not, you know their songs: subtle earwigs that have you singing along to the radio without even realising it.
They're supported at the O2 Apollo by Marie White, credited as an emerging talent and understandably so. Strong vocals and lyrics, she’s just a step away from finding her feet and her sound.
A blend between Lewis Capaldi, The Band Perry and Jason Mraz, it’s a mix but, for now, for starting out, it works.
She's not shy of self-promotion either, asking for support in the form of Instagram followers , streaming numbers and height. With a lead guitarist smiling through the whole set, it’s nice to see people on stage who haven’t tired of being there.
The lights slightly dim and there’s a chorus of screams and squeals from the audience as Keane announce their presence.
It’s an audience full of women drinking wine; what a perfect crowd. It make sense, considering Keane first came together almost 20 years ago: this is the music of these ladies’ youth, so they’re having a glass of wine, sitting back, and enjoying the show.
Keane open with a song from new album Cause and Effect, You’re Not Home. A soft song to start with, but with a nice instrumental intro to settle on stage to.
"Manchester, huh? We’ve gotta up our game," says lead singer Tom Chaplin.
Too right, Tom. A Manchester crowd takes no prisoners.
The audience goes wild for Bend and Break, straight up out of their seats and boogying along, arms waving.
No one sits down for Silenced by the Night and it’s difficult to write a review with shapes being thrown all around you, but who can forsake a good time?
"So our new record came out this week," says Tom. "We’re having a little tussle with your own Liam Gallagher in the charts this week. But we’ll give him this one. He needs it."
This is not a new feud , but it is one that would take more than my word count to walk through.
Everybody’s Changing has even the dragged-along husbands up on their toes. It’s a glorious collaboration between band and audience: an absolute echo of lyric and elation.
Very northern shouts of "Ooh! We’ll have him! We’ll have that one!" come as Tim Rice-Oxley steps forwards for Spiralling, just moments after Tom explained his songwriting to have been inspired by the breakdown of his marriage. These ladies have seen their chance, and they are taking it.
This Is the Last Time is the start of the rounding off; a few last fan favourites to finish the night, Bedshaped and The Way I Feel.
They’re probably sick of the comparisons, but Lily Allen’s cover of Somewhere Only We Know for the John Lewis Christmas advert catapulted the band back to number one. Unfortunately, the association now means I am ready and excited for Christmas at the ripe date of September 26, a whole three months ahead of schedule.
It’s a full set: 20+ songs, two hours, but they leave out Stop For a Minute - a missed opportunity for some added nostalgia.
Tom jests with the crowd: "We’re just soft southerners, doing our thing."
Judging by this crowd, that ‘thing’ is being loved.
Follow CityLife
We have a dedicated Facebook page for all the latest on where to drink, eat, go out and events across Greater Manchester.
From the best food and drink deals to exclusive looks at new restaurants and bars, gig reviews and weekend plans - we've got you covered.
You can follow the page here for all the latest news.
We also have Facebook groups specialising in eating out around Manchester and going out .
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram .
To stay up to speed with everything going on in the city centre, you can follow our new, dedicated Facebook page too , where we'll be bringing you all the latest news, reviews, transport, music, dining and loads more.
