NEW YORK, NY (Interscope/A&M Records) - Since we last caught up with UK rock sensations Snow Patrol, much has changed. For one, the band holed themselves up in a cottage-turned studio right on the shores of Ireland (think: crashing waves, pastoral bliss and the lingering threat of falling into the sea) to create the follow up to 2004's wildly successful 'Final Straw,' the hypnotic, beautiful and sure to be equally massive 'Eyes Open,' which is due out in
America on May 9th on A&M/ Interscope Records.
Produced by longtime friend/studio impresario Jacknife Lee, 'Eyes Open' is every bit a huge rock record and one that is teeming with future classics and fan favorites. Grounded by singer/chief songwriter Gary Lightbody's bold and poignant lyrics and melodious arrangements, the album marks a new era for the band on many fronts.
Throughout 'Eyes Open's' eleven songs, Lightbody and his band mates channel thunder and sunshine, hate and love to create their most introspective and hard hitting creation to date. Don't fret about Eyes Open being all about the impending doom of falling into the raging sea, however. The band have included more than a few gleaming rock songs including the driving "You're All I Have" and the track that Lightbody cites as his most "pure and open love song" to date, "Chasing Cars," to round things out and give listeners a total experience.
To help realize his musical ambitions of making a "proper front to back album," Lightbody recruited Big Star and REM's touring keyboardist, Ken Stringfellow and (get this!), a choir of elite Celtic musicians including Eugene Kelly and Charlie Clarke to add their talents to 'Eyes Open.' And - just for good measure - he got Martha Wainwright to add her hypnotic vocals to the majestic album track "Set The Fire To The Third Bar."
Although it's just the beginning of what is sure to be a flood of critical praise, the UK press is already gushing over 'Eyes Open.' The music bible Q Magazine has already raved that Snow Patrol "have taken a huge leap forwards" and are "on their way to becoming essential" in their four star review of the album in their May issue.
But what's in store for the US, you ask? Fans lucky enough to catch Snow Patrol's sold-out performances at the South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin and select venues across the country this past March received a taste of what's to come - but starting May 23rd, the rest of the US and Canada will have their turn to experience the band's mesmerizing live show.
Armed with an arsenal of brand-new material and the now-classic songs that made them on of rock's most acclaimed acts, the new Snow Patrol is ready to take on America the only way they know how - one amazing song at a time.
https://www.snowpatrol.net
SNOW PATROL US TOUR DATES MAY/JUNE
5/23/06 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
5/25/06 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
5/26/06 Austin, TX Stubb's BBQ
5/27/06 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre
5/29/06 Atlanta, GA Roxy Theatre
5/31/06 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
6/2/06 Boston, MA Avalon
6/3/06 New York, NY Roseland Ballroom
6/5/06 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
6/6/06 Montreal, Quebec Metropolis
6/7/06 Toronto, Ontario Kool Haus
6/9/06 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo's
6/10/06 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
6/11/06 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
6/14/06 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
6/15/06 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
6/16/06 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
6/18/06 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre
6/20/06 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern LG
