On May 8, Keane releases Strangeland, the British band’s fourth album and their first full-length since 2008’s Perfect Symmetry. Of that last record, which largely emphasized synths and guitars over the piano-centric pop they were known for, singer Tom Chaplin recently told NME that it was a “bit self-indulgent.”

Working with producer Dan Grech-Marguerat (The Vaccines, Penguin Prison), Keane’s goal for the Strangeland sessions was to return to the simpler sound of their earlier albums, particularly the band’s 2004 debut, Hopes And Fears.

First U.S. single, “Silenced By The Night,” certainly recalls what has come before, but it’s not so Keane-ly retro. The circular guitar melody echoes The La’s “There She Goes,” and as a complete work, the open-road sweep of “Silenced By The Night” sings very Springsteen. Or more accurately, The Boss by way of The Killers circa Sam’s Town. Chaplin even sounds uncannily like Brandon Flowers in parts.

Now I’m a fan of all of the above, so there’s much I like about “Silenced By The Night,” but we’re not exactly travelling back to “Somewhere Only We Know” territory. Still, as long as Keane’s wheels are in motion, I’m coming along for the ride, whatever the detours or strange lands encountered. We all find our way home eventually:

And here’s Keane performing “Silenced By The Night” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, in case you’d like to hear how the new single sounds that way:

Keane – Strangeland is out May 8.

Purchase Keane – “Silenced By The Night” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.