Snow Patrol - Eyes Open

by Toni Turner

Snow Patrol could be considered somewhat of an enigma. Rarely does a band get better and better through each album they release. But do the boys from Scotland deserve their frequent comparison in the media to the all-conquering superband U2?

First off, Snow Patrol were formed as an indie rock band. As their music evolved they sought to become more mainstream alternative rock with Final Straw hits Run and Spitting Games. Now they give us Eyes Open, which is without doubt their most stunning work to date. A joy from beginning to end, this an album that you'll listen to again and again.

From the anthemic 'Chasing Cars' to the child-like 'You Could Be Happy', the lyrics hit home and stay there. Sing them in the car or in the bath, this is an album for everyone who likes foot-tapping, heart-pounding rock. The lyrics are often thought provoking and relevant, with lead singer/writer Lightbody clearly showing an achingly passionate approach in his delivery.

It is almost impossible to home in on any weak tracks but 'Set The Fire To the Third Bar', a duet with Martha Wainwright is just a mere oddity rather than out-and-out bad. The penultimate 'Open Your Eyes' is one of the strongest and lasting impression tracks here, a carnival of sweeping guitar, drums and vocals, all building up to a satisfying climax.

In short, you'd have to be as mad as ping-pong balls not to add this to any collection. This one will be hard to beat, and the comparison with U2 may prove to be well deserved, but the jury is still out.

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