Snow Patrol: When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Snow Patrol's 1998 debut Songs for Polar Bears was an amalgamation of jangly-guitar-rock influences -- none too original, but interesting nonetheless. Chugging, distorted guitars still provide the foundation for some of the Northern Irish trio's compelling second release, driving tracks like "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again" and "Black and Blue." But it's on the disc's softer, more atmospheric songs that Snow Patrol sound most at home. Singer Gary Lightbody's hushed voice is perfectly designed for the band's new drifting, moody songs; he invokes Lou Barlow on the tortured "One Night Is Not Enough," Nick Drake on the horn-augmented "An Olive Facing the Sea." A few tracks, like the Yo La Tengo-esque "Batten Down the Hatch," still betray Snow Patrol's sources of inspiration. But for the most part, these quiet moments present a matured band, one that's transcended its influences to find a sound all its own.