Snow Patrol

Glasgow-via-Belfast indie-rock ensemble Snow Patrol have played everything from shambolic noise-pop a la Pavement, to a slightly droney post-rock in the vein of Mogwai, to epic lovelorn anthems modelled after Coldplay. While the band's influences are clear and undeniable, Snow Patrol are no mere imitators. Instead, they display a confidence and a sense of fun that has made them one of the most successful bands to emerge from Scotland's fecund indie scene. The band's third full-length, EYES OPEN, topped the U.K. album charts in 2006.

• rock