Snow Patrol - Eyes Open

Fri 16th Jun, 2006 in Music Reviews

Eight seconds into the first song on Snow Patrol’s latest release, Eyes Open, I sigh, roll my eyes, and desperately hope the next forty-five minutes are not going to continue in this fashion. I’m not even halfway through the first song and I feel I’ve heard this album before. It turns out I have. Though not executed by Snow Patrol, but by the copious amounts of identical boy bands my very ‘girly-girl’ eleven-year-old neighbour listens to.

I imagine her shimmy-ing in her bedroom, hairbrush as microphone, crooning into the mirror as track one, ‘You’re All I Have’ plays. It’s not the lyrics where singer Gary Lightbody blissfully praises that optimistic new love, you know the one, the type where: “I have no fear now you are all that I have”, but rather the continuous ooohh-ooohhing that is frightfully off-putting. The lyrics while delightful are only mildly emotive, and to be honest I’m concerned, as this is where Snow Patrol usually succeeds.

Hold up, no need to stop reading here kids. I have indeed passed judgement too soon. The record improves immensely, but only as I come to realise (and accept) that this is a pop album and nothing more.

The next track starts remarkably better. The loud drum beats and sharp guitar sounds excite me, but once again I am to be let down. The chorus is bland and common. This is arena-friendly rock (or pop – I should say). Bands like the Goo Goo Dolls and Vertical Horizon spring to mind. The lyrics I find to be frustrating and basic. They are not abstract, artistic or creative, and even the syntax is undemanding. But maybe I am missing the point? Maybe its purity and simplicity is its charm? Where is it meant to touch us? (I feel commercial radio stations will really ‘connect’ with these first two songs.) Yes, I am only halfway through this second track and have cast so many opinions, but don’t fear – there is much more to be said. At this point Lightbody (presumably singing to his loved-one) namedrops Sufjan Stevens. This is a bold move, what is he trying to achieve here? Does he genuinely admire Stevens and want people to listen to his music, and/or is he trying to gain indie credibility? Whatever your opinion, fear not, teh album picks up from here.

The following tracks ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Shut Your Eyes’ are slower and far more pensive. They are more enjoyable, and one gets the feeling that Snow Patrol does not seem to be trying as hard or as calculating. These laid back tunes are more pleasing to the listener and are enhanced by the chorus that sing along with Lightbody.

‘It’s Beginning To Get To Me’ is where I wish the album began. The enthusiasm, bounce and overall energy in each aspect of the song create a thoroughly enjoyable pop-filled experience. The direction along with the honesty and sweetness of the lyrics is responsible. The resilience of this tune is contrasted with the sadness and defeatism of the next. Snow Patrol finally excels at what they claim they do best, they pull at your heart’s strings and make you feel. If you’ve ever lost love this song, ‘You Could Be Happy’ will rip you to shreds. The character’s optimism in such a sombre state of mind and Lightbody’s breathy voice combined with the chimes (akin to that of The Postal Service) and violins are the perfect combination.

The album has hit its maturity and further develops over the next few songs. The inclusion of Martha Wainwright and the heavy layers of sounds are haunting and will definitely leave you overwhelmed with emotion and shock.

At the point where you’re feeling most down Snow Patrol saves the day. There’s a change in pace and mood and the listener is empowered. Unfortunately, once again it’s a sound we’ve heard before. Don’t get me wrong, it’s well mastered and executed, but it’s nothing phenomenal.

There is mere prettiness in each song. The music of Eyes Open is clean, shiny, premeditated and focused on love. In other words, great for what they’ve been achieving, such as supporting U2 and playing at Live 8 concerts. In essence, each track is perfectly calculated to make you swoon. And that’s fine, because that’s what pop music is about.