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Coldplay’s position as heir apparent to U2 has been etched in stone ever since they released In My Place.
But over their last couple of albums Chris, Jonny, Guy and Will have looked to separate themselves from almost every other pop act in the universe and their coagulation of influences has created a sound that manages to both embrace and push the boundaries of mainstream music.
Mylo Xyloto is the bands second collaboration with prestigious producer Brian Eno, who helped to mould U2’s seminal album Acthung Baby, and once again Coldplay have looked to broaden their musical horizons.
Hurts Like Heaven, Charlie Brown, Don’t Let it Break Your Heart and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall are exemplary additions to the Coldplay repertoire. Each song showcases the band at their melodic best, but with an extra level of production that makes each composition more grandiose.
U.F.O, Up in Flames and Us Against the World are quieter moments which perfectly compliment the gravitas that has proceeded them and are eerily reminiscent of other songs that the band have become synonymous with.
The Rihanna accompanied Princess of China, a synthesizer induced romantic ballad, can easily be forgotten amidst the other tracks but deserves the acclaim that it has been showered with.
This follow up to Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is a stupendous artistic statement that might not garner the band the acclaim they desire, and might even lose them some fans, but it is a worthy addition to their catalogue and a clear sign of progress from what might be the most important pop group in the world.