When first hearing the Splendour in the Grass lineup a couple of weeks ago I was very excited to hear that the Glasgow band Snow Patrol was featured on the bill. The band are on a world tour to promote their fourth album , Eyes Open.

I first heard of Snow Patrol a couple of years ago when they released their breakthrough album Final Straw. Admittedly I'm not a fan of their slower stuff but their faster songs which feature driving snare drums, whaling guitar riffs (never too far off course) complimented by Lightbody's powerful vocals had me completely hooked. The album went straight to the top of my 'favourite albums to drive to' list.

The new album, Eyes Open, has me a little worried however. It's almost like they've amplified their sound from Final Straw, remade their songs then wrapped it in a nice new cover ready to buy off the shelf from every damn record store in the world. Don't get me wrong, I love Snow Patrol and I really like Eyes Open yet I see myself getting very bored of this one as I feel there wasn't much more to offer over their previous release. There are a couple of goodies however. Martha Wainwright features on a beautiful slower track (didn't I say I wasn't a fan of their slower stuff? - I lied) titled Set The Fire To The Third Bar. Martha and Lightbody's voices are synergistic creating a soulful, passionate song which had me reaching for the repeat button on a number of occasions. I also really enjoyed Open Your Eyes. A great song that builds and builds to a near perfect ending - I see this song being their stand out on the album.
Here are a couple of tracks (purchase here)

Snow Patrol - Set The Fire To The Third Bar (feat. Martha Wainwright)

Snow Patrol - You're All I Have

and one of my faves from Final Straw (purchase here)

Snow Patrol - Spitting Games

Next week (Friday 19th) the Sydney band The Light Brigade are launching their debut EP at Candy's Apartment. I haven't seen these guys play but I'm very excited. Their song 'Drinkin' in the Day' is one of my favourite songs which I am yet to have in my collection. Have a listen on MySpace here (Ghost in the Machine is also excellent). Check out details of the gig on the toolbar on the right.

Labels: The Light Brigade