|
 Review
by Emma Devany
After the slight disappointment of X and Y,
doubt was cast over whether Coldplay could ever top the quality of their
first two albums.
Yet here they are, back with a fourth album, ‘Viva la Vida or Death and
all his friends’, and it is safe to say that they have definitely
exceeded fans’ high expectations; captivating us with a compilation of
experimental sounds.
From the first track, ‘Life in Technicolor,’ you begin to familiarise
yourself with Coldplay’s gentle style of music. Despite the majority of
the track being instrumental, it is good taster of what to expect
throughout the rest of the album.
Tracks such as ‘42’ also illustrate the progression the band have made
in their ability to break the boundaries of music.
The unusual change from a relaxed and eerie piano melody, with chilling
lyrics to an upbeat and rather sharp rock tune clearly shows how the
band have gone all out to impress; blowing all so-called modern ‘indie
bands’ out of the water.
Chris Martin’s creativity is ever apparent in the likes of ‘Lost’ and
‘Yes’; exploring different sounds which bizarrely complement each other,
and that the likes of Keane, and other oft-compared acts, could only
dream of creating.
Even more proof of this comes in the form of the album’s secret track,
‘Chinese Sleep Chant’.
An exciting change from the previous song, with its chilling combination
of echoing vocals (providing a similar chilled out vibe to ‘A Rush of
Blood to the Head’) and an electric rhythm, ‘…Sleep Chant’ could easily
be yet another Coldplay classic blasted out on sell-out tours worldwide.
Arguably the best track of the album, ‘Viva la Vida’, is nothing short
of genius, and it certainly isn’t surprising why it became the band’s
first number one.
Chris Martin has previously claimed that each song on the album
“represents a colour,” and this is particularly evident when listening
to this track; the vibrancy and vitality clearly shining through and
adding to its brilliance.
From Martin’s powerful vocals, to the punching use of orchestral
strings, and the simple-yet-dramatic bass drum, the title tune is
beautiful example of pop perfection, embodying everything that we love
about the band.
The free download track, ‘Violet Hill’, could also be described as one
of your typical Coldplay tunes, with its classic catchy chorus and piano
accompaniment to match.
However, it also adds new synthesised, distorted sounds, showing that
the band have clearly delved deeper in the darker realms of music.
A nice contrast to the exciting new sounds found on this album are those
easy-listening tracks that ultimately add to the whole appeal of
Coldplay.
Take ‘Strawberry Swings’ for example; its blend of acoustic guitar and
smooth, calming lyrics, make it ideal listening for a relaxing summer
day.
‘Death And All His Friends’ is definitely an excellent way to end this
highly anticipated album.
The composition of the whole song helps you to realise the overall
progression that the band have made in re-establishing themselves over
the last three years.
Which only leaves one question; what’s next for Coldplay?
World domination?
Well, it’s looking possible, and in spite of all the criticism they
receive, it seems that they will continue to make quality music in the
future.
‘Viva la Vida’ is a fantastic testament to the talent and ingenuity of
one of Britain’s best bands.
In a nutshell: A stunning return to form which shows exactly why
Coldplay so well-loved.
You might like this if you enjoy: Keane, The Fray, Radiohead, or
possibly none at all, Coldplay are in a world all of their own!
Recommended links:
►
www.coldplay.com
►
www.myspace.com/coldplay
►
Return to Album
Reviews
|
