Snow Patrol launched their latest album today and if you’ve been a fan of this band at all in the past - you’re going to dig this record. When my ears got a first pass on the album I could already hear the hits and tried not to think about the fact that I was liking it and that with the help of main stream radio, I would soon come to hear them everywhere. But that’s then, this is now.
The album is being released in two versions, the standard and the deluxe that includes multiple documentaries on the band and the process of putting the record together. A Hundred Million Suns is ten track of solid rockn’roll, the kind we’ve come to expect from the UK. Full of not the basic instruments but all kinds of keyboards, orchestrated sound and Gary Lightbody’s haunting voice.
Stand Out Tracks
Lifeboats - More orchestration than we’re used to from Snow Patrol on this track - really easy to sing along with.
The Golden Floor - I love the drums on this one. Part Marimba, part flamenco - all fun.
The film component
First Week of Term - this doc shows the group getting together to work out how the songs will be performed live for the tour (I personally can not wait to see that). The guys talk about some of the adjustments for the live versions and how they had to have Belle and Sebastian drummer Richard Coburn to join them live. They’ll also be playing multiple instruments and navigating a sea of equipment. Intermingled are 3 “music videos” of the group doing the songs live. Definitely worth watching.
Jacknife Lee Studio Safari - is an art piece that shows the band as they were laying the record down. I never get tired of seeing stuff like this. First person POV walking through the guys as they are playing, kids in the control room, and a great soundtrack.
