Albums

Album Review: Coldplay

[Album: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends]
[Label: Capitol]

After their blinding debut ‘Parachutes’ all the way back at the turn of the millennium, critics everywhere were wondering whether Coldplay could match the high standards they set for themselves on their subsequent release, or whether they would succumb to “second album syndrome” and soon be forgotten like so many other promising bands. As it happens, the band seemed to enjoy the challenge and produced the fantastic ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ in 2002. Three years later, they churned out ‘X & Y’, which hit the number one spot in more countries across the globe than I have fingers and toes. Given these incredible sales figures, it seemed risky, almost foolish, to meddle with the formula that brought them so much success. But that is exactly what they have done.

You only have to read the title of ‘Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends’ to realise that this isn’t going to be quite as catchy or radio-friendly as their previous offerings. Granted, there have been slight musical progressions throughout Coldplay’s back catalogue, but none as apparent and deliberate as with this record.

The album begins with ‘Life in Technicolor’, a largely instrumental introduction that is the sonic equivalent of a wave continuing to build until it crashes into the flow of the remaining songs. It is a fitting opener that really grabs you and makes you pay attention, giving the distinct feeling that something special is on the way. Luckily, there is no disappointment as each track from that point arrives as atmospheric and appealing as we have come to expect from this band, but with a new and refreshing sound.

It is the song ‘42′ that really epitomises the feel of the album. The first half of the song is classic slow-paced Coldplay with soft, warm vocals from Chris Martin until suddenly the violins fade out and the bassline transforms to a harder, funkier backdrop for some energetic guitar-layering and sing-a-long vocals. That is, of course, before the whole ensemble collapses in the dying seconds and concludes with a gentle piano outro. It all happens so fast that it’s impossible to anticipate on the first listen.

‘Yes’ provides probably the most experimental track on the album, almost to the point that it is reminiscent of the Velvet Underground with its droning viola squeaks and Martin’s deeper vocals – something that we rarely treated to. And although it makes for strange hearing at first, it does begin to grow with repeated listens. In fact, although most of the enjoyment on the first spin of the disk came from being continually astounded by the imagination behind each of the songs, the pleasure now comes from noticing the well-crafted and often politically-charged lyrics. Every listener will have different favourites, but personal standout tracks are ‘Cemeteries of London’, ‘Lost!’ and ‘Viva La Vida’.

Overall, Coldplay have done a great job of creating something that sounds new and exciting, and hints that there may be more to them than meets the eye. ‘Viva…’ is such a fine achievement not only because it manages to branch out with the kind of consistency in quality that the band is known for, but also because the change of style is not so drastic that old fans will be instantly turned off. This is still the Coldplay that we know and love, but now they seem to be making the music they want to, and it’s evident they’re enjoying every minute of it.

For fans of: Doves, R.E.M., Elbow
Band link = Coldplay

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