Coldplay's 'Mylo Xyloto' Nears Release.

Coldplay fans the world over are excitedly readying themselves for the band's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto (don't ask me how to pronounce it!). Released worldwide tomorrow on EMI, the band - whose hits include 'Viva la Vida' and 'The Scientist'- have stated that they've looked to explore various avenues of music whilst developing the album. Describing Mylo Xyloto as a concept album following two characters in their search for love, bassist Guy Berryman has also said that they've been "brave and bold" with the songs featured on the record by exploring "modern, urban and dance influences". 

Having already released two singles from the upcoming album, fans have been given a taster of what to expect from the four-piece's latest venture; with opinion being seemingly divided. I was very impressed with the life-affirming 'Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall'. The lively guitar riffs and stadium-pleasing sound of the maiden single is everything fans have come to love from Coldplay. Overall a safe, but nonetheless, impressive effort. The real crowd- splitter, though, is current single 'Paradise'. Posted online last month to a mixed reception, the track has a strong R&B feel to it which sounds light-years apart from the Coldplay circa 'Parachutes'. Similar to many other Coldplay songs, it's catchy. However, I expect more from the band. Lyrically and musically it's just not special enough and for a group who freely admit that their lyrics are "a bit shit", you'd guess that they'd try a bit harder to replicate the success of far more memorable hits such as 'Clocks' and 'Fix You'. Even when you strip back the soulful groove to of 'Paradise', you're left with a samey Coldplay tune complete with the token “woahs”. 

The video to 'Paradise' isn't that much better either. Opening to a set of promising cinematic frames, I was hoping for an impressive music video which did justice to the conceptual theme of the album. However, as soon as the dodgy elephant costume came into shot, my hopes were dashed. I can see what the band were trying to achieve with the video, but for me it just doesn't work. Instead of being charming, it comes out looking amateur. Watch the Mat Whitecross directed video below to make up your own mind.

   

Another major talking point is the track 'Princess of China' which features Rihanna on vocals. Going by the credentials of Coldplay, this is a very strange move. Having probably arisen during brunch with Chris Martin and his pals Jay-Z and Kanye West, this collaboration seems like an obvious marketing tactic for the band as they look to reach a wider audience with 'Mylo Xyloto'. However with Martin praising the track as his favourite bit of the album, us punters will have to wait and see whether the risk pays off when the album drops.

With 'Mylo Xyloto', Coldplay have looked to develop musically as a band. Whilst spending months in the studio experimenting with new sounds and styles, Martin and the gang are in search of that masterpiece album à la 'Achtung Baby'/'OK Computer'.

Coldplay are often regarded as the bully boys of alternative music. Constant disapproval from those that claim the music is too boring and that they've been on a downward spiral ever since their hit album 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' means that the band have a massive point to prove. As Coldplay look set to embark in a daring, new direction, 'Mylo Xyloto' may be the seminal album Coldplay need to shut the haters up once and for all.

Coldplay's incredible set closer at Glastonbury shows the potential of their new material:

Bombay's Different Kind of Fix

Have you ever asked yourself the question; ‘what one band could I happily listen to for the rest of my life?’ During the summer I found myself constantly trying to answer this question. When I came to a conclusion, I was pretty happy with my decision. This band had pretty much been the soundtrack to my summer and with their new album looming for release when I got back from Spain, it had to be Bombay Bicycle Club.

I’d written an article a few months back about the upcoming release of ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, and to say I was excited was an understatement. After being hooked on their sophomore release ‘I Had the Blues…..’ and equally as impressed by their acoustic effort, ‘Flaws’, I was sure that Bombay’s next release would not disappoint. And you guessed it, it really didn’t. I was already quite familiar with the haunting, atmospheric title track 'How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep' from its earlier release as part of the Twilight soundtrack. What really got to me, however, was the band's transition in sound from their early material to now.

Making their way back to their electric roots after a lovely acoustic break in the form of 'Flaws', it would be an easy mistake to expect an album based heavily on memorable hooks and riffs similar to that of 'I Had the Blues....'. But no, this is an entirely different package; or as the album title suggests, 'A Different Kind of Fix'. Admittedly the album does require two or three playbacks, but what the listener gets in return is more than rewarding. And the harder you dig, the more gems you'll discover.

One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Leave It'. It's just one of those songs that you can't help your feet from tapping along to. The bridge before the chorus is also worked very nicely with the inclusion of Lucy Rose's vocals. Having already worked with the band after meeting lead singer Jack Steadman a few years back, Rose has had an integral relationship with the band ever since. Having lent her vocal to the title track of 2010's acoustic album 'Flaws', the singer-songwriter features heavily on Bombay's latest effort. Whilst also helping out the band at live shows (watch below), the talented singer gives tracks like 'Fracture' and 'Leave It' an extra dimension with her angelic tones perfectly complementing Steadman's vocals.

 

Personal favourite of mine off the EP is 'Lights Out, Words Gone'. Released just recently as the follow up single to 'Shuffle', the band here prove they've got more than enough soul. Driven by the fantastic bass playing of Ed Nash accompanied by some lovely muted riffs, the song is a real delight to listen to. You just might even want to get up and dance if the video is anything to go by.

The four-piece, who have recently embarked on their biggest UK tour to date, have hit a winner with 'A Different Kind of Fix.' Musically, the band have grown into themselves. All twelve tracks on the album have been beautifully crafted and the instrumental build-up in some songs is almost orchestral. Frontman Jack Steadman's songwriting has also developed impressively. The lyrics now have far more resonance compared to those featured in previous material and in terms of the album's production, it's faultless. What's evident is that the band have put a lot of love and care into the making of their third album and if you've followed the band ever since their early days, it's almost as if you can hear the band growing up.

One last thing to remember is how old the Bombay lads actually are. Being only about 21 years old, the band's progress is simply remarkable. To release three excellent, such mature sounding albums so early in their career is only shadowed by the prospect of what's to come from Bombay Bicycle Club. At the present, Bombay stand in good stead for album of the year and if they fail to get a look in at next year's Mercury Prize then something's wrong. If you haven't already, I urge you to check out 'A Different Kind of Fix' as soon as possible. You can thank me later.