Snow Patrol - Live review at Electric Ballroom - Tiscali Music

17/03/2004

Snow Patrol, playing the last gig of their UK tour, coasted into Camden's Electric Ballroom last night for what must be one of the gigs of the year so far.

"I can't believe there are so many people here, we normally don't play venues this big!", proclaimed a mystified Gary Lightbody, the band's vocalist and guitarist.

The enthusiasm of the packed crowd, however, suggested they knew something he didn't, as the band launched into a set of powerful and catchy guitar rock, interspersed with melodic, poignant ballads that sent shivers down the spine.

Evoking a sound reminiscent, at times, of The Police, U2, Fleetwood Mac and more recent contemporaries like Ash and Coldplay , the band ploughed through their set with passion and vigour.

Underpinning it all was a genuine and endearing sense that they couldn't believe how lucky they were.

This humility was never better displayed than during the victorious conclusion to "Run", their recent single.

As the crowd chanted back the words to the final chorus, the band appeared totally aghast that they had managed to produce this kind of euphoria, and as massive grins crossed their faces, Lightbody muttered, "You lot can sing, can't you!".

Having released two albums prior to "Final Straw" and managing to remain relatively anonymous, this was the incredulous and delighted response of a guy who had waited his entire life for a moment like this, and who may have finally realised that his band were onto something.

With performances and songs of this quality, the only surprise is that they're not bigger already. Snow Patrol come highly recommended.

DH