Perfect Symmetry cover

Released 18 years ago this October

Perfect Symmetry

Keane · 2008

99 min · 22 tracks · alternative rock

Lush melodies intertwine with electronic textures, showcasing a bold shift for the band while retaining their signature emotive songwriting.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spiralling Start here — The opening track introduces listeners to the album’s new direction with its danceable beat and vibrant instrumentation, setting an energetic tone.
  • →
    The Lovers Are Losing — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of love and loss, blending emotional depth with a catchy chorus that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Perfect Symmetry — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of balance and contradiction, featuring rich harmonies and a soaring vocal performance from Tom Chaplin.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night vibes
  • atmospheric background focus
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a bold sonic shift for the band, exploring new electronic textures.
Themes
electronic evolution· post-peak reflection
Career context
Released in 2008, Perfect Symmetry is Keane's third studio album, following the commercially successful Under the Iron Sea. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new sonic territory, incorporating more electronic elements and experimentation that contrasted with their earlier piano-driven sound. This album marked a pivotal moment as they sought to redefine their musical identity.
Stylistic neighbors
Snow Patrol· Coldplay· Travis
New to Keane? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Spiralling Start here 4:19
  • 2 The Lovers Are Losing 5:04
  • 3 Better Than This 4:04
  • 4 You Haven’t Told Me Anything 3:47
  • 5 Perfect Symmetry 5:12
  • 6 You Don’t See Me 4:03
  • 7 Again and Again 3:50
  • 8 Playing Along 5:35
  • 9 Pretend That You’re Alone 3:47
  • 10 Black Burning Heart 5:23
  • 11 Love Is the End 5:40

Disc 2

  • 1 Spiralling (demo) 4:05
  • 2 The Lovers Are Losing (demo) 5:18
  • 3 Better Than This (demo) 4:48
  • 4 You Haven’t Told Me Anything (demo) 3:51
  • 5 Perfect Symmetry (demo) 4:57
  • 6 You Don’t See Me (demo) 3:34
  • 7 Again and Again (demo) 4:10
  • 8 Playing Along (demo) 4:32
  • 9 Pretend That You’re Alone (demo) 4:28
  • 10 Black Burning Heart (demo) 4:44
  • 11 Love Is the End (demo) 4:43

What to play next

Strangeland
Listen next

Strangeland

2012

Continues the lush sound while exploring new themes and textures.
Under the Iron Sea
Go back to

Under the Iron Sea

2006

Sets the stage with a similar emotive style, leading into Perfect Symmetry.
Full Keane discography Where to start with Keane Artists like Keane
alternative rock piano rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

Coldplay

Similar emotive songwriting and expansive soundscapes, blending rock with electronic elements.

Absolution

Absolution

Muse

Shares a grandiose production style with introspective themes and a mix of rock and electronic influences.

Hail to the Thief

Hail to the Thief

Radiohead

Explores post-peak reflection with layered instrumentation and an experimental approach to alternative rock.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata