Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto (21/10/2011)
Easily one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Mylo Xyloto has finally arrived, the fifth LP from world-renowned British rock act Coldplay. Drawing on elements from all there past work, Mylo Xyloto is a culmination of many successful years as a group, and the foundations for new beginnings.
Opening with the instrumental title track Mylo Xyloto, the short prologue flows into Hurts Like Heaven as Chris Martin makes his welcome return to record. It’s exactly what Coldplay fans have come to expect: the energy of Viva La Vida, the melodic style of Clocks and the heart of Yellow. Noticeably, Coldplay have introduced more synthesizers into the mix, which is juxtaposed beautifully in Paradise. The four part harmonies at the end of each chorus add an echoing touch of grace to Martin’s vocals.
Then there is Charlie Brown; undoubtedly the stunning heart of Mylo Xyloto. You know those songs that come along once in a few years that truly impact you upon first listen? For me, Charlie Brown is one of those songs. Martin’s versus are expertly sung against the charm of an acoustic guitar, which bursts into a uplifting chorus of keys that warm the spirit until they slowly fade out in a tranquil piano solo.
After an upbeat start, the tempo slows for Us Against The World, one of the much more soothing moments of the album. The structure of MX flows through short instrumentals; the best example being M.M.I.X. and lead single Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. With its U2-esque guitar riffs, as a lead single I didn’t enjoy this song as much as I wanted to, but in the context of Mylo Xyloto as a whole, it works so much better than as a single release.
The latter half of the album features some experimental moments from the acoustic harmomies of U.F.O. to one of the topics of debate, Coldplay’s collaboration with rnb superstar Rihanna in Princess of China. Rihanna takes over main vocal duties from Martin, who instead provides a backing duties in what’s easily the commercial radio pick of the release.
It’s slightly out of character for Coldplay to employ the use of a guest vocalist on an album rather than a B-side, and while it’s a bold move allowing another artist to take the reigns during a pivotal point in an album, it's a very hit and miss aspect of the album.
Up In Flames feels and sounds like a reprise of Coldplay’s previous records, repeated ballads, a harmonic piece that features a memorable falsetto chorus that holds the record together. A Hopeful Transmission acts as a gateway ballad that leads the album towards its conclusion. Final tracks Don't Let It Break Your Heart and Up With The Birds bring Mylo Xyloto to its close, painting a picture of the great future ahead for the band while fading out in a beautiful piano solo.
Broken up into what seems like the three acts of a play, there is a grand, majestic beauty in Mylo Xyloto. The biggest concern lies in the mixing between tracks. The use of 40-second long interludes dilute the flow of the album due to their low mixing and slow pace. However, this can be overlooked in the grand scheme of the album. Amidst the soaring melodies and intricate instrumental work there lies a stirring tenderness and soul to an album that rarely ceases to amaze and only continues to inspire.
Luke Sutton
Opening with the instrumental title track Mylo Xyloto, the short prologue flows into Hurts Like Heaven as Chris Martin makes his welcome return to record. It’s exactly what Coldplay fans have come to expect: the energy of Viva La Vida, the melodic style of Clocks and the heart of Yellow. Noticeably, Coldplay have introduced more synthesizers into the mix, which is juxtaposed beautifully in Paradise. The four part harmonies at the end of each chorus add an echoing touch of grace to Martin’s vocals.
Then there is Charlie Brown; undoubtedly the stunning heart of Mylo Xyloto. You know those songs that come along once in a few years that truly impact you upon first listen? For me, Charlie Brown is one of those songs. Martin’s versus are expertly sung against the charm of an acoustic guitar, which bursts into a uplifting chorus of keys that warm the spirit until they slowly fade out in a tranquil piano solo.
After an upbeat start, the tempo slows for Us Against The World, one of the much more soothing moments of the album. The structure of MX flows through short instrumentals; the best example being M.M.I.X. and lead single Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. With its U2-esque guitar riffs, as a lead single I didn’t enjoy this song as much as I wanted to, but in the context of Mylo Xyloto as a whole, it works so much better than as a single release.
The latter half of the album features some experimental moments from the acoustic harmomies of U.F.O. to one of the topics of debate, Coldplay’s collaboration with rnb superstar Rihanna in Princess of China. Rihanna takes over main vocal duties from Martin, who instead provides a backing duties in what’s easily the commercial radio pick of the release.
It’s slightly out of character for Coldplay to employ the use of a guest vocalist on an album rather than a B-side, and while it’s a bold move allowing another artist to take the reigns during a pivotal point in an album, it's a very hit and miss aspect of the album.
Up In Flames feels and sounds like a reprise of Coldplay’s previous records, repeated ballads, a harmonic piece that features a memorable falsetto chorus that holds the record together. A Hopeful Transmission acts as a gateway ballad that leads the album towards its conclusion. Final tracks Don't Let It Break Your Heart and Up With The Birds bring Mylo Xyloto to its close, painting a picture of the great future ahead for the band while fading out in a beautiful piano solo.
Broken up into what seems like the three acts of a play, there is a grand, majestic beauty in Mylo Xyloto. The biggest concern lies in the mixing between tracks. The use of 40-second long interludes dilute the flow of the album due to their low mixing and slow pace. However, this can be overlooked in the grand scheme of the album. Amidst the soaring melodies and intricate instrumental work there lies a stirring tenderness and soul to an album that rarely ceases to amaze and only continues to inspire.
Luke Sutton