Britain's atmospheric trio Keane pledge allegiances to the likes of The Smiths and Depeche Mode, but I think special thanks are in order to Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, and Sigur Ros, because these bands have clearly influenced their latest release.

Having said that, Under the Iron Sea, represents a big step up from their freshman effort Hopes and Fears. Not that there's anything particularly complex about this record. It's simplistic to be sure, but sometimes simplicity can be just as effective as complexity.

The opening number Atlantic is a soaring, epic ballad. The kind of number that you might expect to find on an Elbow or Doves record. It really took me by surprise. From the get go, the album is surprisingly diverse. Don't get me wrong. Keane doesn't exactly have an altogether original sound - Under the Iron Sea is your basic slice of infectious Brit Pop, but the band does manage to keep listeners on their toes on this new release all while maintaining a consistent tone.

Lead vocalist Tom Chaplin sounds a bit like another Tom – Thom Yorke of Radiohead to be exact. His voice is also a bit reminiscent of Travis' Fran Healy with Bono's falsetto thrown in for good measure. Chaplin appears much more confident this time around, pushing his voice to new heights. And his confidence has seeped into his band-mates. Richard Hughes' percussion and Tim Rice-Oxley's gorgeous piano work only add to Keane's majestic sound.

Under the Iron Sea has many memorable tunes to speak of, but the highlight for me is the poingent fifth track, "Bad Dream" - a stirring anti war anthem in which Chaplin sings "I wake up, it's a bad dream - No one on my side - I was fighting - But I just feel too tired – To be fighting - Guess I'm not the fighting kind." A beautiful tune that gets it's point across without being overly manipulative or preachy.

In terms of song-writing, it's easy to lump Keane in with Coldplay. Both bands clearly wear their hearts on their sleeves, but for my money, I found this record more pleasing to the ear, rich and hook-laden than Coldplay's last release X & Y. Furthermore, I even prefer this to How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, a huge admission for a well-known U2 junkie.

Under the Iron Sea probably won't get enough critical support to put it up among the higher ranked albums of the year, but it's an outstanding sophomore effort from a band that appears to be making their mark. At the very least, this puts the atmospheric Keane into a league far above the similarly sounding but ultra-dull Snow Patrol. Furthermore, it beats the hell out of Travis' lackluster 12 Memories. I expect great things from this band.