SNOW PATROL

Wildness★★

Gary Lightbody’s personal battles may partly explain why the follow-up to 2011’s Fallen Empires is so belated.

Even so, the basic sound of Snow Patrol tracks remain intact here.

There’s wounded angst (Life On Earth), sunny melodies with ludicrous vocal posturing (Heal Me) and everywhere else you’re left hoping that a Chasing Carsstyle anthem lies within. Sadly, we’re left disappointed. This is a sad faced, plodding return, wearing a mask of major statement. As wild as a plastic daffodil.