Thanks to the transformation of the “not-as-easy-on-the-ears” alt-rock of their early years to a more polished and refined sound that also saw Gary Lightbody’s vocal style veer peculiarly close to Chris Martin’s, Snow Patrol hit the jackpot with 2003’s Final Straw. Fourth album Eyes Open finds the band still largely tuned on to the melodic vein that fed its predecessor but, possibly in a bid to touch base with their roots or maybe to rise above similarly orientated bands (Athlete, Feeder?), they have applied a severity to their sound that succeeds in setting them apart from Coldplay’s recent (and more sedate) X & Y album.
Opening track You’re All That I Have, It’s beginning To Get To Me and Headlights On Dark Roads, with their distinctly rockier edge, are fine examples of this, as is the sublime Shut Your Eyes, another of this record’s finer moments. Elsewhere, such as on You Could Be Happy and closing number The Finish Line, they revisit placid pastures but it’s Set The Fire To The Third Bar, featuring singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright, which comes out on top of the slow-burning content on Eyes Open. Another giant leap for Snow Patrol!
Rating: 4
CD COURTESY OF EXOTIQUE
Alternative music – Made in Malta!
For a relatively young and comparatively less than mainstream organisation, Alternative Malta has exceeded expectations, extending its reach and appeal to a steadily growing number of people, thanks largely to its attractive and increasingly efficient website. Though mainly frequented by local indie fans, the site also attracts some overseas visitors, and its potential in this regard may very well have been pivotal in the realisation of the organisation’s latest venture – the release of its first CD album!
As many of you are well aware, CD compilations featuring local bands are nothing new, but there has never really been “the one” wholesomely dedicated to the alternative scene in Malta – until now! Alternative Malta has toiled hard to come up with this debut release, and thankfully (for both them and us) the end result is a fairly comprehensive compilation featuring 19 tracks (20 if you count the hidden track by the notorious R.A.S.) that represent the cream of what the Maltese indie scene has to offer as well as stretching its boundaries!
The bulk of the content is unsurprisingly guitar-based, ranging from the electric sparkle and familiarity of Beangrowers’ I Like You or Lumiere’s Remembrance of Lovers through the grittier edge of Dripht’s Guy On TV, BNI’s Inertia and Xtruppaw’s Diska Cool Ghar-Radio right down to the lush acoustic splendour layering both Adolf’s Is This The End and Mr Uncertain from Hunters Palace. In between, there are cuts that lean towards more of an electronic vein, namely Spooky Monkey’s Supersonic Warfare and Particle Blue’s hybrid chill on Weekend. The rest of the tracks are as significant, some - like Emily from Oz-based Andre Camilleri, End Of John’s engaging Ditties For Sissies, Corkskrew’s Blind Spot and Stilair’s Push – more than others! Definitely a must for your CD collection! For full track-listing or to order a copy, send an email to [email protected].
Rating: 4
CD COURTESY OF WWW.ALTERNATIVEMALTA.COM