Snow Patrol

The effervescent Irishmen of Snow Patrol sparked their career nearly a decade ago, bursting forth from the same label (Jeepster) and country (Scotland) as Belle & Sebastian, yet the glaring similarities between the two end there. While Belle & Sebastian helped define bookish twee pop, Snow Patrol reached astronomical and anthemic heights on its most popular albums, Eyes Open and Final Straw. Toss in such U-turns as the hip-hop drum breaks of "Ask Me How I Am" and the Nirvana-nearing angst of "Starfighter Pilot," and it's clear Snow Patrol isn't as easy to pin down as some would assume.

Snow Patrol is now sitting comfortably on Universal Records in the U.S., blessing the masses with such gorgeous bouts of melancholy as "Somewhere a Clock Is Ticking." Which is all well and good, but let's not forget the group's simple and equally affecting beginnings, including the fuzz-engulfed melodies of "Sticky Teenage Twin," the stripped-down acoustics of "JJ" and "Riot, Please," and the indie pop splendor of Reindeer Section, a Scottish supergroup led by Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and featuring members of Mogwai, Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian, Idlewild, and more.

Oh sure, Snow Patrol can be as extravagant and contemplative as other mercurial, moody U.K. natives and contemporaries of Coldplay. But they're also, hands down, one of the most versatile alternative rock acts around. Scan our Complete Set to hear the proof in a playlist: the uplifting histrionics of "Spitting Games," the hypnotic tubular bell action of "You Could Be Happy," the back-spun record-platter effects of "Making Enemies," and the insistent, distorted indie-pop hooks of "Wow." Also, be sure to listen as the band sidesteps into a stellar side project (record store darlings the Reindeer Section) and the burbling electronics of Cut La Roc.