More about: Keane

Former Keane singer Tom Chaplin has unveiled a live session of 'Hardened Heart' recorded in the studio with him on the acoustic guitar, piano and two accompanying violin players also providing backing vocals,. You can watch it first on Gigwise below.

Stripping it back reveals what a truly beautiful melody the song has woven throughout, and shows off the level of musicianship they're all at. It also makes the lyrics stand out more and and the meaningful delivery implies it's a means of catharsis. The quality of the recording is astounding, too.

'Hardened Heart' is the lead single from his highly successful debut solo album, The Wave. As an album, its gently melodic verses giving way to arresting choruses are just as affecting as they are in Keane. There's an overarching sense of melancholy and there are some stark piano ballads such as ‘Worthless Words’ and ‘Hold Onto Our Love’.

Other parts of it are more richly layered with interesting backing vocal arrangements, synths, guitars, brass, drums an violin coming together to create lush tracks that show Chaplin has really excelled as an arranger over the past few years.

Tom Chaplin just completed a sold out UK tour

More about: Keane