You many be excused for believe your listening to a Coldplay or Keane album as this almost unknown Reading based band relay heavily upon piano driven melodies, but that is where the similarities end. Morning Runner offer so much more than the one dimensional Keane and Coldplay, but saying that Chris Martin is said to rate them as one of his new favourite bands, and on the strength of the opening track alone it is hardly surprising. 'It's Not Like Everyone's Your Friend' has elements of the Coldplay style about it as far as pace and tempo are concerned, but there is one very noticeable difference. There is a much more gritty and raw electric guitar sound, which sets the tone for many tracks on the record.

This is unquestionably a very strong debut album. There is enough rock but also a balanced mixture with the softer stuff; just enough of each to keep the interest level high throughout, and the surprises along the way make for a very rewarding eleven track experience.

Morning Runner look set to be heavyweight contenders for the next big, beautiful thing, and this debut album is testament to their worthiness. If you’re still suffering from a bout of winter blues, go grab a copy, for ultimately, this is an uplifting, philosophical, and rewarding little piece of pleasure.

Star track – Burning Benches

Check out Morning Runner if you like Coldplay, Keane, Embrace, Supergrass or Grandaddy

Who are snow patrol I hear you cry :-

Snow Patrol are an indie rock band from Northern Ireland, currently signed to Polydor Records. They were formed in Scotland by vocalist/guitarist Gary Lightbody and bassist/keyboardist Mark McClelland, two students from Northern Ireland who were at the time, pursuing an education in Dundee.

Here we go my first album review ( you never know I might like this and do it more often )

1. You're All I Have
This is the first single that snow patrol have release off the album, if follows the same trends set out in their 3rd album Final Straw, the song is very reminiscent of Run and Chocolate but with the volume turned up to 11
7/10

2. Hands Open
Hands Open is built on an insistent driving beat, with rippling guitar from Nathan Connolly, and Beginning to Get to Me opens like an enormous bubble of sound surfacing from the depths.
5/10

3. Chasing Cars
Wow! Just wow!. A truly epic track. The song starts with a hugely atmospheric somewhat sombre intro before the guitars come crunching in at almost the 3minute mark.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Id love the ability to forget the world and all its hassle with one person, but life isnt fair or that easy.
9/10 (Star Track)

4. Shut Your Eyes
'Shut Your Eyes' travels along at a more sedate 50mph and echoes, at times, both Peter Gabriel ('Lay Your Hands On Me', 'In Your Eyes') and Bon Jovi.
5/10

5. It's Beginning To Get To Me
Definitely future single, 'It's Beginning To Get To Me' is another 70mph moment. Lyrically simple but universally appealing. Ooh and here comes the Chris Martin falsetto in the middle-eight!
6/10

6. You Could Be Happy
Very gentle track that sounds a lot like a nursery rhyme, the lyrics ring out prominently, sounding particularly heartfelt, it leaves you wanting to play the song again, its that good.
5/10

7. Make This Go On Forever
A ballad so shrouded in sentimentality it could set up its own lonely hearts column. Lightbody seemingly writes an open letter to his (soon to be) ex-missus with lines like "And we should spend some time apart, for both our sakes" and ten thousand housewives up and down the country will no doubt put down the latest Mills & Boon paperback and shed a tear or two with him. 'Starfighter Pilot' this isnt then, but don't let that put you off. No really, Eyes Open isn't a bad record.
3/10

8. Set The Fire To The Third Bar - Snow Patrol & Martha Wainwright
"Set The Fire To The Third Bar", featuring Martha Wainwright is the only duet on this album, however, it does not mean it is the worst song. Far from it. It has an instantly rememberable tune to it, and is a tune you will struggle to get out of your head.
6/10

9. Headlights On Dark Roads
'Headlights On Dark Roads' reminds us that if Gary Lightbody offers a lift it would be beneficial to your health to decline the offer.

"wanting to be the car crash, not always just a traffic jam".
5/10

10. Open Your Eyes
'Open Your Eyes', begins with several chords of simple guitar strumming, before calling out for the person sitting opposite to fall in love with him. The chorus and Edge-like guitar moves come straight from U2's 'The Joshua Tree'. Hopefully, he will find what he is looking for!
5/10

11. Finish Line
"The Finish Line" is very atmospheric, no drums, just keys and Lightbody's excellent vocals.
5/10

It's an album that'll see them secure Snow Patrols flag firmly in the summit of Mount Have-Falsetto-Will-Flog-Records. It is quite simply a fine album. But therein lies the problem. It's. Just. Fine.

6/10