Forgettable and underwhelming are the best words to describe Snow Patrol’s aptly named “Fallen Empires.” It’s OK for a band to have a signature sound, but Snow Patrol never developed beyond that. All the songs sound like continuations of the 2006 smash hit “Chasing Cars,” but I suppose you can’t blame them for wanting to re-create that success.

Even though the album sounds like one giant and repetitive song, it has a few shining moments. “Berlin” is by far the most unique song. It starts slow but builds with interesting vocal harmonies and a violin, then stays that way until the dreamy ending. “In the End” has some surprisingly synth-y verses helping to update their sound a bit. Then there’s “The Symphony” which starts out promising with an ‘80s inspired beat, but decrescendos into a bland chorus and lame guitar solo at the end.

It might be hard to swallow, but it seems this band already has peaked. They will continue to create music just exciting enough to be played over the speakers at Hollister or American Eagle while you shop for cute, inexpensive tank tops for spring break.

Grade: C

Recommended Tracks: “Berlin” and “In the End”