By Stephen Dowling BBC News Online entertainment staff

The band's debut has some epic moments

If you're looking for the Travis, Coldplay, or Starsailor of 2004, then look no further than Sussex's Keane, whose debut album is released in the UK on 10 May.

The band, fronted by the soaring voice of singer Tom Chaplin, have earned the tag of bright new British hopes well ahead of their debut album's release.

Hopes and Fears is a lush, atmospheric album, with Chaplin's plaintive voice anchored to lush synths and an almost total lack of guitars.

It is a sound redolent less of Coldplay and more like 80s act Talk Talk. One newspaper critic has even likened them to bluesy US singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby; not the effect, you feel, they are going for.

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Keane are already being tipped as one of the brightest new British hopes thanks to the success of the soaring single This is the Last Time, their first hit.

Histrionic

With its world-weary beginning and an impassioned chorus, it is by far the strongest of the singles so far. Somewhere Only We Know and Everything Changes are decidedly underwhelming in comparison.

But Keane have an epic streak lurking alongside the pop sensibility.

On a Day Like Today is dazzling - a song that builds from Chaplin's voice and stark piano to a stormy climax that is utterly spellbinding.

Keane have been described as "Radiohead covering A-Ha"

Keane have already been described as Radiohead as covered by 80s pop legends A-ha. Some of this has to be written down to Chaplin's voice, which veers from heartfelt to histrionic at times.

But Keane are a far more interesting prospect when they veer down more esoteric avenues like On a Day Like Today.

Their debut is an impressively produced record - and bodes well for the future.

But Hopes and Fears is at its best when the band take a sideways step from their breezy singles. If they keep taking these indulgent but brave moves, then they will definitely be living up to the hype.

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What did you think of Hopes and Fears? Is it a great debut album by a fresh new talent or have you heard it all before?

I think they're pretty cool. Really soulful stuff... with a compelling sense of wonderment. Nice stuff. Good lyrics too. Nice album, I'll buy it.
Ian Aitken, Plymouth

I disagree with the reviewer; I think the potential single songs - on this particular album - are the record's saving grace. The first 5 or 6 songs are in my opinion the best - I found myself losing interest as the album wore on. It takes a more dance-laden feel that loses a lot of Keane's pop/rock style personality of the first half of the album. It's a promising debut, Somewhere Only We Know is a lyrically superb song, a classic, which takes a few surprising directions to a normal pop rock anthem. I did find myself wondering about the quality of the songs as the album wore on though...
Rod Doyle, N. Warwickshire, UK

Went to see them at Newcastle uni - great to see a band with beautiful voices and no guitars!
Melanie Lenz, Chesham, UK

Good solid album, though not as dramatic a debut as Coldplay's Parachutes. However, having said that, will be rivalling Snowpatrol as band of the year (so far!!) Chaplin's voice is mesmeric at times (This is the Last Time, Somewhere Only We Know) but occasionally just ordinary I'm afraid (Sunshine).
Kiklain, South Kensington, London

Hopes and Fears is fantastic. A well crafted, produced and managed electric pop soundscape that gets your feet moving and the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention.

And if you haven't seen them live, go and book tickets right now, its a real treat. Like a great big toffee apple in a field of grass in the summer.
Lee, Cornwall

I have been desperate to buy the album, the singles have been fantastic so far. Tom Chaplin has a beautiful voice and I don't personally care about comparisons, I just think they are an excellent, young band! There is too much rubbish in general chart music usually.
Carole Young, Glasgow, Scotland

Keane are one of bands of the year and have produced an amazing album by any standards. The solitary piano and drums set each other off and Toms voice really hits the notes, hes got a great voice, reminiscent of fran healy and thom yorke. The stand out tracks include their recent single Somewhere Only We Know, This Is The Last Time and Bend and Break. Even their B-sides are amazing, my favourites being Walnut Tree and the brilliant Snowed Under.
Pete Man, London

What is the fuss about Keane? They are dull and boring and their live shows are too. Possibly the most boring gig I have ever been to.
Jemma, Manchester

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