Formed back in 1994, Snow Patrol had something of an ignominious beginning, releasing two low-key, lo-fi albums that sold mostly to members of their immediate families. Final Straw, however, arrives here with plaudits from the U.K. — and California, in the shape of big fans Grandaddy. Produced by Garrett Lee, a man more at home working with TLC than British Bob Mould enthusiasts, this record shimmers with a newfound sophistication. Mostly, this is thanks to velvet-voiced singer Gary Lightbody, who invests so much wrought passion into the best songs here — “How to Be Dead,” “Run” — that they’re transformed into strength-sapping, lump-in-the-throat anthems. The last U.K. act to harness such emotion so successfully was Coldplay. Gwyneth Paltrow may have settled down too soon.

DOWNLOAD THESE “How to Be Dead,” “Run,” “Chocolate”