Snow Patrol
Eyes Open
(Polydor)
Yes, it’s another of those British bands that make sensitive, epic ballads that pack an emotional punch. Smartly, Snow Patrol doesn’t stray from the formula it followed to stardom on the 2004 hit debut Final Straw. The group wins with vibrant guitar rhythms and pulsating keyboards, and only falters when it tries too hard (overly earnest lyrics, the Sufjan Stevens namedrop on “Hands Open,” a so-so Martha Wainwright duet). The melodic tunes from main songwriter Gary Lightbody are a lot like his name—they won’t make the neighbours complain. But if you’re jonesing for a Coldplay fix, Eyes Open should keep you well sedated through the summer.
—Johnston Farrow