It's So Clear Now That You Are All That I Have (Eyes Open - Snow Patrol)

Member Name: Andy.mack

Product:	Eyes Open - Snow Patrol
Date:	12/05/06 (2494 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A decent, well made followup to one of the best albums of 2004

Disadvantages: Will be compared to Final Straw, -

It seems that having taken the music scene by storm a couple of years ago Gary Lightbody and Co have opted for a more subtle return. While the Final Straw really seen Snow Patrol hit the big time they followed it up this year with their 4th studio effort, Eyes Open. It had been suggested that The Final Straw would be a hard act to follow and of course this was always going to be the case, but it’s fair to say that Lightbody et all have given it a good go. While its predecessor went multi platinum this latest effort seems less of an assault for more new fans but more an attempt to satisfy those who discovered the band before 2004 and the newer, much larger body of fans.

While Songs For Polar Bears and When Its All Over Do We Still Have To Clear Up were more about making music for the enjoyment, Final Straw was an attempt to get some media attention for their craft. It certainly worked well for the band and this years return sees a mixture of the new found media friendly style with the bands original roots. Having decamped to a small cottage in Ireland with producer Garrett Lee they seem to have captured the best elements of all three records. In doing this it proves hard to make a direct comparison to 2004’s hit album but while the album isn’t quite as media digestible it is a very good record.

Despite Final Straw receiving a lot of acclaim and praise throughout 2004 there were of course criticisms as well. Accusations of trying to copy the style and sound of Coldplay were banded about but I thought these comments were a little unjust. After 2 previous albums it was simply a successful attempt to enlarge the fan base and this 4th album sees them start to return to the routes of their earlier albums. But I hear you ask is it any good. Quite simply yes it is but a short answer isn’t quite good enough so I shall expand.

If you are buying this album looking for an instant love at first listen feeling then let me tell you now that wont be the case. While there are a couple of tracks that will strike you straight away the majority of the 14 tracks are slow growers. The overall sound of the album still sounds distinctively like Final Straw but there is a much darker edge to a couple of songs in just about every aspect. The best example of this is on the quite simply amazing “Make This Go On Forever”. It has a slow tempo and quite a loud imposing sound that really compliments Lighbody’s use of lyrics and tones of voice. This is quite reminiscent of the darker side, which does grow on you quite rapidly but shows a bit of a chance from the previous album.

There is of course the more upbeat tracks like “You’re All I Have”, which I loved after only the second listen. This demonstrates the influences of the previous album and provides the kind of tracks the newer fans will love. In these tracks it should keep hold of the attention to let the slower, darker tracks really grow on the listener. The guitars lead just about all the tracks, varying the tempo and the feel in collusion with a nice, steady drum beat.

I think the real appeal that a Snow Patrol posse is the passion and range of Lightbody’s vocals. He can be a lead singer that you’ll either love or hate. The appeal of the band comes from this and combined with his rather talented lyric and song writing ability do tend to add to the popularity of the band. This album does have some amazing tracks. The aforementioned “Make This Go On Forever” being one of the best. Another fantastic track features guest vocals from Martha Wainwright. It’s another slower, darker track and the overall feel from it is quite breathtaking. Of the faster tracks its fair to say that “Hands Open” and “In My Arms” are certainly right up there alongside the slower numbers. These two grow on you a little quicker but all 4 are fantastic.

My one complaint would be the element of filler slipped in near the end of the album. The track is called “-“ and seems to add absolutely nothing to the album. It’s just a recording of random sounds but goes on for over 3 minutes and really contributes nothing to the rest of the album. Of course on first listen there were a few tracks I wasn’t too keen on and although I’m still not totally immersed in the album every track continues to grow on me slightly more after every listen.

Overall this is a decent follow up to Final Straw. It’s bound to be compared to its predecessor, which I feel will be unfair on the band and this album itself. The last album was an amazing album but this one seems to contain more substance and although it is radio friendly it won’t be overplayed for months and years to come. It’s another cracking album by the band and if you have the previous album or are drawn to the new single then get yourself a copy of this one, certainly worth the expenditure.

Amazon: £8.99
Amazon marketplace: £6.50

Summary: 4th time out and another crackig album, highly recommended