By Frankie Saraiva, Entertainment Editor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Straw
Looking to broaden your music taste a little? Ready for a new sound capable of raising the hairs on your neck? Then Snow Patrol’s latest, "Final Straw", is just for you.
Despite being considered a new band by some, Snow Patrol has actually been around for quite some time. Comprised of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Mark McClelland (bass, keyboards), and John Quinn (drums), the band released their debut album, "Songs for Polar Bears", in 1998. Snow Patrol quickly built up a huge fan base overseas and have been playing sold out shows ever since. Three years later, they released a much more mature record, "When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up" and added a second guitarist, Nathan Connolly, while the hype just continued to build. Finally, after many years of success overseas, the band is starting to get some attention over here in the U.S.
"Final Straw" tangles all the subjects - love, heartache, and even war - and it couldn't have been done better. The album gets you in the mood quickly with "How to be Dead", a slow opener perfect for portraying what’s to come. The album keeps on rolling with many stellar tracks, including "Gleaming Auction", "Whatever’s Left", "Grazed Knees" and "Somewhere a Clock is Ticking". The whole album is pretty much spectacular, but "Run" is easily the standout track. Lightbody’s voice mixes perfectly with wonderful guitar work by Connolly to make a beautiful song capable of making these guys platinum status.
With "Final Straw", the band has made a name for themselves here in the U.S. "Run" is currently getting them a lot of radio airplay and is also stamping them with the title of "the next Coldplay". I can see some comparisons, but if anything, they sound more like a less intriguing Radiohead than a Coldplay knock off. Whatever you want to call them, they’re good, and they know how to hook you in and not let go. So if you are into alternative or indie rock, then I highly recommend checking out Snow Patrol; you will not be disappointed. They will also be playing up in San Francisco at the Fillmore in October and, judging by the reviews, these guys are not to be missed live.
Despite being considered a new band by some, Snow Patrol has actually been around for quite some time. Comprised of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Mark McClelland (bass, keyboards), and John Quinn (drums), the band released their debut album, "Songs for Polar Bears", in 1998. Snow Patrol quickly built up a huge fan base overseas and have been playing sold out shows ever since. Three years later, they released a much more mature record, "When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up" and added a second guitarist, Nathan Connolly, while the hype just continued to build. Finally, after many years of success overseas, the band is starting to get some attention over here in the U.S.
"Final Straw" tangles all the subjects - love, heartache, and even war - and it couldn't have been done better. The album gets you in the mood quickly with "How to be Dead", a slow opener perfect for portraying what’s to come. The album keeps on rolling with many stellar tracks, including "Gleaming Auction", "Whatever’s Left", "Grazed Knees" and "Somewhere a Clock is Ticking". The whole album is pretty much spectacular, but "Run" is easily the standout track. Lightbody’s voice mixes perfectly with wonderful guitar work by Connolly to make a beautiful song capable of making these guys platinum status.
With "Final Straw", the band has made a name for themselves here in the U.S. "Run" is currently getting them a lot of radio airplay and is also stamping them with the title of "the next Coldplay". I can see some comparisons, but if anything, they sound more like a less intriguing Radiohead than a Coldplay knock off. Whatever you want to call them, they’re good, and they know how to hook you in and not let go. So if you are into alternative or indie rock, then I highly recommend checking out Snow Patrol; you will not be disappointed. They will also be playing up in San Francisco at the Fillmore in October and, judging by the reviews, these guys are not to be missed live.