By Karen Esparza Posted March 10, 2014
Most of you have probably heard the song “Chasing Cars” on the radio at some point in time, but you more than likely can’t tell me the band behind it. Snow Patrol is an alternative rock band formed at the University of Dundee in 1994. The band is comprised of four Irish members, Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), Jonny Quinn (drums), Johnny McDaid (piano, guitar, backing vocals), and Scottish member Paul Wilson (bass guitar, backing vocals). The band’s first few studio albums were commercially unsuccessful and almost led the band to break up.
Luckily the band was able to sign with Polydor Records in 2003, releasing “Final Straw” an album that would go five times platinum in the UK and eventually sell three million copies worldwide. It wasn’t until the release of “Eyes Open” in 2006 that Snow Patrol made a splash in the U.S. with the hit single “Chasing Cars” which ended up being nominated for a Grammy and used in the popular TV drama “Grey’s Anatomy”.
The band’s sound isn’t fast-paced or volatile, instead, it’s a beautiful cacophony of instruments and Gary’s hypnotic voice. Most of the songs are very inspirational and focus on the universal topic of love. My favorite songs are “New York”, “Called Out In The Dark”, “Shut Your Eyes”, and “Run”. With all the indie rock, rap, pop, and that blast through our ears.
Maybe it’s time to listen to something different, that takes you to a better state of mind. Snow Patrol’s new album is scheduled to be released sometime in 2014, so be on the lookout and “Open Your Eyes” to something better.
