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TRACK OF THE DAY: Violet Hill

WHO: Coldplay - four men, one piano and some good intentions.

WHAT: Another serving of statuesque rock for the Starbucks generation

THE HYPE: ‘there are moments where Violet Hill ranks as some of the more exciting music Coldplay has recorded’ - LA Times.

WE SAY: After what seems a lengthy absence – it’s either that or I slept through another album – Coldplay return like the prodigal son, bearing fruit from their new album, Viva La Vida. The worry is that the fruit may not be quite ripe for consumption yet. With the wind behind them, there is no arguing their qualities. Unquestionable songwriting, memorable hooks, and a grandiose presence have defined their career so far. But this has the feel of a band mailing it in. The elements are all in place – Chris’s Pop-Songs-Of-Praise angelic tones, the lilting piano caresses, the arcing crescendos, but they feel half thought-out and lacking in conviction.

Violet Hill, which was initially available free from their website, is the result of having knocked about in the studio with the legendary Brian Eno. Clearly, this has ramped up the ambience and the use of subtler melodies will compliment that. But this will please a band looking for a change, rather than the people it’s intended for. If Viva La Vida offers more of the same, it’s hard to see who’ll be satisfied with the result.

IF YOU ONLY NEED TO KNOW ONE THING: According to a survey carried out by Travelodge, listening to Coldplay is one of the best ways of getting you off to sleep.

WHERE CAN I GET MY HANDS ON IT: Violet Hill will be given away free on 7” with this week’s NME. Viva La Vida is released on June 12.

FIND MORE: www.myspace.com/coldplay

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