Music: Keane, Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra and Katharina Nuttall

Published on October 3, 2008

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Piano rock from the UK, Balkans from Belgium and Blue Monday in Norway – October’s best music picks kick off a European autumn

Keane: Perfect Symmetry

(Image: ©Universal Music)

Keane already proved that a British band does not necessarily need an ‘electric guitar to play some rock’ (the band in fact is known to use neither guitar nor bass). The Sussex lads return in October with (Image: ©Universal Records) their third album, Perfect Symmetry. After having sold a total of eight million discs between the albums Hopes and Fears (2004) and Under the Iron Sea (2006), sold out tours and received prizes here and there, the British geniuses return to stun their fans. In Perfect Symmetry you can see in every note and song how much fun the band is having as they recorded in Paris, London and Berlin. The result? An album incredibly loaded with energy. Perfect Symmetry charms from the first listen

Universal Music Int. Release date: 13 October

Free dates: Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms, Leeds Cockpit 2, London 100 Club (13, 14 and 15 October respectively)

2009 UK and Irelands arena tour

Belfast Odyssey Arena (23 January), Dublin The O2 (25), Newcastle Arena (27) , Glasgow SECC (29), Manchester MEN Arena (31) , Nottingham Arena (1 February) , Bournemouth BIC (3) , Cardiff Arena (4), Sheffield Arena (6), Liverpool Arena (7), Plymouth Pavilions (9) , Brighton Centre (10) , London 02 Arena (12)

Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra: Tuttilegal

(Image: ©Penguin Records) Formed in 2004, the Antwerp Gipsy-Ska-Orkestra (AGSO) reflect the openness of the Belgian harbour town they come from. The seven-piece has everything that is needed: coarse and pure energy, starting with the Roma gypsy melodies blended to ska-groove, danceable rhythms, a charismatic frontman and a journey between the most varied musical styles. Not all seven play at all times though; giving a different meaning to the ‘open’ band, who invite guest singers to play with them. Those who have seen at least one AGSO concert know they cannot be considered only a ska band. Their debut album, which came out last June, has been considered a masterpiece from the musical press. Just before their record came out, Kosovan band member Suki managed to get a visa: they could not find a more appropriate title: Tuttilegal. The Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra are now able to tour abroad

Evil Penguin Records/MMS/Alive. Release date: 2 October

Katharina Nuttall: Cherry Flavour Substitute

The Norwegian art (Image: ©France Cargo) ist, producer and songwriter lives in Stockholm. Her second solo record after This Is How I Feel in 2007, to be released on her own label, contains over ten personal songs rather intimate in their style. The title Cherry Flavour Substitute makes you get a feel for autumn and the tinged tones of the record. A complete masterpiece: you just need to look at the Staring at the Sun and Place of Hope video to fall into the charm of the voice of this Norwegian. Direct songs and an obvious portion of rock influences: the usual depression of autumn does not stand a chance!