From the very first chords of "Yellow" in 2000, Coldplay have been an ever present at the summit of popular music's hierarchy. Their uncanny knack of crafting sickly sweet melodies and soundscapes that dig deep and stay with you, willingly or not, has seen them through different styles in their now over 25 year long career.
Having begun with a more straight-laced indie rock sound in their early days, the London quartet have shifted through modes and accents. With 2008's Viva La Vida, the group embraced a theatrical and expansive theme, while Mylo Xyloto saw the band delve into a electronica/pop-rock hybrid that has since largely been their general sound.
Chris Martin and co return now with album number ten, Moon Music, which serves as a soft sequel to their previous, Music of the Spheres from 2021. Here the band continue on a loose theme centred on the positives of human endeavours, with underlying tones celebrating some kind of non-denominational belief or faith.
In a sense, the band are embodying that much derided tripartite of 'live, laugh, love'. It's a sentiment that would be more palatable if it didn't feel like each day brings a new crushingly bleak news headline. And given even more current events, it does feel misplaced. Although, others may well enjoy the escapism that follow the cinematic, orchestral-backed self titled opening track.
Music does have an ability to connect and unite, but as each track passes by there is a feeling the group are a little lost in their own utopic worldview. "Feels Like I'm Falling In Love" drips with strong positive vibes that on its own are pleasant, but following the opening track – which hints at something more grandiose and meaningful – does feel disappointing.
Elsewhere, "Good Feelings" bounces steadily along at a pleasing pace with a rich, noodling bass line. Likewise, "Aeterna" catches the eye by edging into something more ethereal with a dancey, electronica sound.
Overall, Moon Music is heavy on trying to engender a sense of euphoric achievement. While there is definitely a place for that, and the band can be commended for trying to uplift and remind us of the positives in life – such an abundance of it sees this edge into corniness. But although it's nauseatingly upbeat – that is also what Coldplay have always done best.
- New music reviews on theartsdesk
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