Coldplay is back after a four-year hiatus from releasing new music. “Everyday Life” is accessible, refined, and full of great tunes.
The album commences with “Sunrise.” The instrumental track comprises of sad violins, teasing a depressing yet promising start to the new record. Subsequent track “Church” is a little more upbeat. Chris Martin’s voice is melancholy but you can hear the band’s sincere effort to move away from the depressing Radiohead vibes. At risk of losing their signature sound, “Church” toys with signature Brit-pop chord progressions, creating a tune that is slightly reminiscent of The Verve.
“Trouble In Town” is an even bigger step away from iconic tracks like “Fix You” and “Yellow”. The pacing rhythm beneath the track is almost something you can move your hips to. It’s not a soft rock anthem, and it’s a little experimental. Martin’s vocals are interrupted by jarring radio announcements. The interlude is followed by a musical uproar and the return of the pacing bass. It sounds like Coldplay have been listening to Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
“BrokEn”, on the other hand, makes use of gospel choirs, which may possibly be the music trend of the year. The track is charming and soothing, but it’s a little unclear what direction the new album is taking.
From “Daddy” onwards, however, Coldplay reassures fans that they still know who they are. The remainder of the record revisits acoustic guitar and piano tracks. The tunes are comforting but meet festival-worthy crescendos. The slow and melancholy opener is substituted in part two by quick, folky guitar. The lyrics are somber, but the tune is catchy. It’s a strong start to the second half of the record.
“Cry Cry Cry” is another album highlight. It’s uncharacteristically sensual for the notoriously “mum rock” band. The album closer and titular track “Everyday Life” is also memorable but far more distinctively Coldplay. It follows their typical structure of stripped back verses followed by a buildup and a hand-up sing-along chorus. It’s not quite on par with “Fix You”, but it’s a banger.
Everyday Life may possibly be Coldplay’s best album in a decade. It’s interesting and experimental but still encapsulates that accessibly and comforting rock sound that makes Coldplay one of the most successful bands in the world.
4/5
