Snow Patrol - Eyes Open

Snow Patrol
Eyes Open

Somehow or another, a review copy of the new Snow Patrol CD found its way to me awhile back. I didn’t put it on immediately and by the time I did (a few days ago) the CD “Eyes Open” had already been released, robbing me of the chance to brag about an album I had listened to that not too many others had (you mp3pirates out there don’t count).

Well, the thing is that I didn’t know a thing about them, except that they’ve experienced a pretty big swing in popularity. I have no idea if it’s “popularity a la DCFC” (who they resemble at times in their songs) but anyhow, the music IS quite mainstream sounding. At least for Palebear standards. Perhaps this is why they feel need to name drop Sufjan Stevens in the 2nd track “Hands Open” (”Put Sufjan Stevens on / And we’ll play your favorite song.”)

You know what though? I surprised myself by liking the album… I don’t know if that spells danger for my indie music lovin’ soul. Snow Patrol reminds me a bit of Coldplay with the sensibility of both Nada Surf and the melodical grace of Doves. Their more rockin’ tracks are very catchy indeed and even have the chugging and driving beat of a band like The Dandy Warhols.

A few of the more mellow songs are pretty interesting too, such as “You Could Be Happy” which features very pretty bells in the background. “Set Fire To The Third Bar” has an interesting combination of female vocals with Gary Lightbody’s ever-affable singing.

Sufjan Stevens they are not, though. You need to go into this album thinking you’re getting something more mainstream than any of the Barusk bands, but commercial sounding (and better) than say Weezer or U2. I think Coldplay is a good reference point, and I’ll even go as far to say that I definitely like them better.

Albums on Itunes:

Final Straw
Eyes Open
When It’s All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
Songs for Polarbears

by Tyranosaur