Snow Patrol

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Snow Patrol, an alternative for those of you put off by Chris Martin's floppy Muppet histrionics and questionable baby naming skills. This Scotland-via-Ireland quartet is led by Gary Lightbody, who is also known in indie circles for leading the low-key supergroup Reindeer Section, which comprises members of Belle & Sebastian, Arab Strap, Mogwai, and Teenage Fanclub. Snow Patrol sounds a bit like that combination after injecting some performance-enhancing drugs; when the amps buzz and the pedals switch on, they actually veer into Catherine Wheel territory, though Lightbody's voice recalls a more assertive Lou Barlow. They're also really good at those sweeping, swooning, Coldplay-style, so-very-U.K. rock anthems, so pack your lighters!