New Releases Reviewed: Snow Patrol, The Maccabees

I will admit that nothing Snow Patrol has done since "Final Straw" has really respected my attention. But with the December/January lull in new music, "Fallen Empires" gets to be one of the first releases of the year I would consider to let the band have another chance at my eardrums.
First thing noticed is the guitar goes backstage for a considerable amount of the album. Opening track "I'll Never Let Go" starts off with Depeche Mode keys before the vocals slowly fade in. The chorus pumps in harder the second time around, almost as a calculated maneuver on their part. Single "Called Out In The Dark" sounds like it could fit on with the other songs found on "Final Straw", going back to heavy vocals and guitar driven sound. Both "The Weight of Love" and "This Isn't Everything You Are" hold their own with the latter standing out more. Than it goes sour; every song seems to become a chant before the mellow "Lifening" almost does it in. Only "New York" can make itself known among the dribble that is the second half of this album.
Overall: 4.5 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Called Out In The Dark, This Isn't Everything You Are, New York


Now from the other side of the pond, we have The Maccabees with their third studio effort "Given To The Wild". The intro builds seamlessly into "Child", soft and very ambient giving the track an almost fluid, watery feel to it. Starting off different from their past bouncy pop sound, "Feel To Follow" really cuts loose with rocking drums and an emotional tidal wave of vocals. Much of the album rides on waves, subtle but entrancing, an elegant dance upon your audial palate. "Forever I've Known" creeps in like a stranger in the dark, casting a moody eclipse before the sunburst of instruments. Things slow down a bit on "Heave" before the bouncy pop of first single "Pelican" launches itself at you.
Overall a very solid album from start to finish. "Grew Up At Midnight" provides an outstanding ending to this well constructed album. You get some Futureheads and Bloc Party influence on it, aiming high much like Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs". And they made a great album by not changing a thing about them. It worked for The Horrors for me last year so hopefully they can take advantage of the same formula.
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Child, Feel To Follow, Pelican, Forever I've Known


~StEvO