Author: Jack Butcher
Those who have been following Coldplay since their breakthrough in 2000 will find little surprising on their new record, “Mylo Xyloto.” With the exception of a few minor tweaks, members Chris Martin, Johnny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion adhere to their consciously developed formula, featuring the same blend of ever-present piano and shimmering guitar, fronted with Martin’s voice. One could argue, though, that there is no need to fix what is not broken. But while it is not incredibly groundbreaking, “Mylo Xyloto” does serve as a testament to Coldplay’s ability to, if nothing else, consistently release tracks with unceasing energy.
Their multi-layered sound is perfected here, and front man Martin manages to give a sense of optimism on every track, even on softer and heartbreaking tracks like “Us Against the World” and “Up in Flames.” These tracks bring the album back down to earth from the arena-rock trend of the rest of “Mylo.” The swelling, U2-esque guitars are accompanied often, but tastefully, with synthesizers, orchestra and sound effects, featured prominently on “Hurts Like Heaven” and “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart.” The instrumentals complement Martin’s vocals and lyrics well, perhaps better than they have on previous efforts. Some meanings behind the metaphors and words may be difficult to decipher, but Coldplay’s fans are used to this style of lyrics.
Martin claims that “Mylo” is a love story inspired by the anti-Nazi movement called the White Rose, and popular television show “The Wire.” The grandness of such a concept can be heard in the most prominent change in Coldplay’s style: the incorporation of hip-hop and dance music elements. This is used to greatest effect in “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.” The opening synthesizers would not sound out of place at a House concert, and the number of remixes from popular DJ’s like Swedish House Mafia demonstrate the ability of the song to cross genres. It is quite possibly the most triumphant number ever written by the band, and a perfect summary for the album. It is unabashedly uplifting, unashamed of its own grandiose nature and meant for the kids mentioned in the song, who “turn the music up” in their headphones and drift away from normal life while their favorite song plays. If there is any song that will be overplayed on the radio, it is this one.
Throughout their history, Coldplay has drawn polarized reactions from listeners. Their music is either loved or hated with very little in between. In this vein, “Mylo” will not likely win over many new listeners. But at its core, “Mylo Xyloto” is unmistakably Coldplay, a band which has demonstrated its foothold in the music industry, and looks to be unready to rock that boat. Love them or hate them, they are here to stay.
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