Final Straw - Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol have been around since 1994, beginning life under the name of 'Shrug', later changing their name to 'Polar Bear' before finally becoming Snow Patrol due to the name 'Polar Bear' also being used by the side project band of the bassist from Jane's Addiction. It was not until 2003 that the band had their first real taste of success with their track 'Run' reaching the Top 5 in the UK chart. This was their first ever Top 40 single and marked the start of something special, with the band now having had nine Top 40 singles including 'Run'. The band have undergone relatively few line-up changes throughout the years, and in fact the only person thus far to have left ...

By the time Final Straw was being recorded, Snow Patrol were fed up. After releasing two albums that had been met with a general feeling of 'nobody cares' by critics and the public alike, they were on the verge of splitting up. Although loved by their fanbase, and popular within musical circles, they decided that if Final Straw failed then that would be it; Snow Patrol would split up and be no more. Lead singer Gary Lightbody, guitarists Nathan Connolly and Mark McClelland, and drummer Jonny Quinn gathered together for what could be their last recording session ever, and went for broke. Acknowledged as a deliberate attempt to appeal to the masses, the album was released ...

This makes the sixth review on DooYoo on this album. What can I possibly have to say that hasn't already been said, and probably far better ? I'm no good at all that technical description stuff - can't tell a bass guitar note from a drum machine. So the answer is quite possibly, I can add nothing. However, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to write a review on it. Quite simply, this album is one of the best I have heard for years so I really wanted to put pen to paper and share it with you. ~ BAND BACKGROUND ~ The band was formed back in 1994, by two young students from Northern Ireland studying at Dundee University - Gary Lightbody (vocals and guitar) ...