Album Review: Snow Patrol – The Forest Is The Path
3 min read
Renowned rock band Snow Patrol are what some may call an institution. Among their impressive back catalogue there are a number of songs – the obvious being Chasing Cars – that can be held at the same level of cult status as the likes of Mr Brightside by The Killers or Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand. Aside from the continued appeal of the aforementioned song, the band have seen mainstream success for the best part of two decades, release a multitude of top ten albums. Now, after a six year hiatus, they’ve returned with the highly anticipated The Forest Is The Path.
All kicks off the record with a rhythmic marching beat and a definitive statement from singer Gary Lightbody ‘This is not a love song; I’m just checking that your light’s still on.’ Its powerful chorus and bright instrumentation are what we’ve all come to know Snow Patrol for over the years, but here it sounds fresh, invigorated. This energy continues on the following track The Beginning. A slow start builds to climatic chorus with pounding drums and an awkward but satisfying lead guitar reverberating in the background. Everything’s Here And Nothing’s Lost takes the driving nature of the previous tracks the furthest, drums thundering along while Gary sings of not being forgotten, even if you’re moving to a different beat. It’s a sentiment of togetherness that permeates the entire album.
Hold Me In The Fire and Years That Fall are straight-up rock tracks, the former moving on a gritty guitar line until the chorus opens up the track. The latter glitters with synths and tight pianos. Never Really Tire is a grandiose slow-burner, teasing the listener with its gradual drum build and ominous chord progression. These Lies is a straightforward but emotionally provocative piano ballad, while What If Nothing Breaks? takes a similarly sombre balladry approach but with synths. The final song on the record, title track The Forest Is The Path, is one of many highlights, and comes as a fantastic conclusion. Gary’s heavily effected voice leads the charge with what sounds like a looped guitar line. The mix tightens as it grows, drums and bass filling in the gaps. By the time the chant swoops in, you’re hooked, sad to remember that this is the final track.
The Forest Is The Path is an amazing return to form for Snow Patrol. Entirely recognisable, yet fresh enough to feel like a new direction for a band who have been released music for well over twenty years. There isn’t a dull moment on the album, thanks in part to the fantastic songwriting and gorgeous production. Well worth the wait.
Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.
