Final Straw

VINYL FORMAT. The Irish band, Snow Patrol, has always appeared to be on the cusp of greatness, a step away from the indie A-list. Perhaps Final Straw, their third album (and first on major label Polydor/Black Lion), will shoot them into that stratosphere. On this release, they've shaken things up and upped the rock ante by adding a second guitarist, beefing up the vocals, and bringing in producer Garrett "Jacknife" Lee. Lee, who has worked with Basement Jaxx and Eminem, introduced spiky guitars, beats, samples and handclaps to the band's melodic, well-crafted songs. Snow Patrol's finest work to date.