It shouldn't work, but it does. The obvious fear is that Belfast trio Snow Patrol , now domiciled in Glasgow, represent the saddest of the sad, the cutie dregs of indie music. I mean, they're on Belle and Sebastian's label and the title of this, their second album, is just awful.
But miraculously they rarely stoop to the level of mere Belle-enders, only 'Batten Down The Hatch', and perhaps the quaintly knowing 'Make Love To Me Forever' really approach the sound of Stuart Murdock's mob. If anything they're much closer to Sebadoh (Subadoh anyone?), Gary Lightbody's vocal tones delightfully reminiscent of Lou Barlow on recent single 'One Night Is Not Enough' is not the only song to evoke the American veterans.
Notably they know just how to arrange simple songs for maximum impact. There are many two chord changes here, yet they're disguised well enough to avoid detection, and never outstay their welcome. There's plenty of variation too, from the all out orchestral (and rock guitar) extravaganza of 'An Olive Grove Facing The Sea' to the thumping and noisy 'Last Ever Lone Gunman'. 'Ask Me How I Am' is as good a Folk Implosion pastiche as anyone's likely to provide, the wandering conclusion to 'Making Enemies' -all wobbly Brit-psychedelia- delights while the pounding 'Black and Blue' flirts with krautrock. And thankfully, Snow Patrol are never scared to get loud. This excellent album should not be overlooked.
