Snow Patrol to play their earnest, edgy anthems in Manila
They've been called "cooler than Coldplay but less provocative than R.E.M." and, in their new album "Fallen Empire," the type of arena-type anthems that fellow-Irishmen U2 have made their staple are front and center.
So, when the alterna-indie rock band Snow Patrol takes to the stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, on August 9, expect a mix of cool earnestness epitomized by their hit, "Chasing Cars" (made massive by being featured in the TV hit, "Grey's Anatomy") and sing-along fist-pumpers like "This Isn't Everything You Are".
The Northern Ireland-Scottish band is making Manila its 12th stop in a 15-city world tour to promote their sixth album. In Asia, Snow Patrol is also playing Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul.
Opened for U2
Formed in 1994 by vocalist and songwriter Gary Lightbody together with university buddies, the band called itself a slew of names like Shrug and Polar Bear before settling on Snow Patrol.
Like other young bands, Snow Patrol struggled during the early years. In 2003, they were signed to Polydor Records and released their first major label album, "Final Straw," with successful singles "Run", "Chocolate" and "How to be Dead."
This gave Snow Patrol their first taste of mainstream success with their album reaching the U.S. and selling over 250,000 copies. They toured extensively, opening for U2 in the Vertigo Tour.
In 2006, they released "Eyes Open," which contained "Chasing Cars." The single received nominations for the Grammy Awards as Best Single in 2006 and Best Rock Song in 2007 and the Brit Awards Best Single also in 2007. "Eyes Open" became the U.K.'s bestselling album in 2006.
Sweet and edgy
Snow Patrol also released another song, "Signal Fire," which was featured in the "Spiderman 3" soundtrack.
Their new album, "Fallen Empires," while ambitious, contains the sweetness and edginess that the band is known for and made memorable by Gary Lightbody's brooding baritone.
Snow Patrol's first-ever performance in Manila is presented by Dayly Entertainment and That's N Tertainment and happens on August 9, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more details.
