On the first stop of their U.S. tour, British band Keane paid a visit to the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA to support their latest EP Night Train. The piano-rock trio has come a long way since their 2004 debut Hopes and Fears, selling over 10 million albums worldwide and playing to sold-out crowds. With a few bumps along the road, any traces of doubt were trumped on Tuesday night.

Opening up the show was a solo Fran Healy of the Scottish alt-rock outfit Travis. With nothing but an acoustic guitar and keyboard at-hand, Healy was a charmer with his affable demeanor and engaging anecdotes. In keeping with the good vibes, Ingrid Michaelson played a lighthearted set filled with surprises, from an exquisite cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” to a closing synchronized dance number to Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”

Lead singer Tom Chaplin showing his moves

Receiving a warm welcome from the crowd, Keane seemed thrilled as they took to the stage. Vocalist Tom Chaplin, in particular, was looking better than ever. Having gone through his well-publicized difficulties, it was great to see him looking so healthy and rejuvenated on stage. The band seamlessly blended old songs and new. Performing classics such as, “Somewhere Only We Know“, “Bend and Break,” “Everybody’s Changing,” and “Nothing In My Way” all in the first part of the set, followed by a batch of fresh tunes from their new EP.

The band appeared to be truly having the time of their lives. In between songs, while the crowd erupted into rapturous applause, the members of Keane soaked it all in with smiles. Explaining how the American audience is like their extended family, Tom and the rest of the gang gathered towards the front of the stage with a piano, tambourine, and bongos to play a couple of intimate ballads.

Signifying a change of pace, the initial backdrop, which read ‘Keane,’ fell to the floor to reveal an image of the Night Train cover. The band got the crowd grooving along to “Spiralling” and “Is It Any Wonder?” A loud round of sing-a-long to fan-favorites “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Bedshaped” left the crowd wanting more. Sure enough, the band returned for their encore and concluded with “Crystal Ball.” It was the perfect exclamation point to a decidedly happy night.

Keyboardist Tim Rice Oxley of Keane

As Keane continue to expand their sound and audience, B-Sides will be sure to keep track of these ever-impressive English chaps.