You see, what really irks this writer and many more besides is what Coldplay ultimately represent the banal, the safe, the middle-ground, the comfort zone - essentially, all of the things that shouldn't be brought into question as far as (supposedly) intelligent and groundbreaking music is concerned. Even Chris Martin's lyrics, although sometimes questionable as far as over-sentimentality and worthy self-righteousness goes, have on occasions been the shining light that elevate Coldplay out of the ordinary occasionally. The musical ability of every member, whether it be Jonny Buckland's classically trained guitar playing that probably merits expertise status, or even drummer Will Champion's excursions on piano and guitar at various interludes throughout their careers. Certainly where this band are concerned, there appears to be no middle ground, and as someone whose opinion has always veered on the negative having quite understood the logic, let alone ascending popularity of Coldplay, 'Viva La Vida (Or Death And All His Friends) would probably rank as one of the least awaited albums of this, or any other year for that matter.įorget the middle class accusations, celebrity marriages or supposed good intentions of Chris Martin and his three accomplices. can lay serious claim to being the biggest rock band in the world, the number of people who fall quite unflatteringly into the "haters" category divides the equilibrium with alarming ease. While there is no doubt that at present Chris Martin and co. If there were such a thing as "Marmite Music" then Coldplay would surely be its patron saint. Read our album review of Viva La Vida (Death And All His Friends) by Coldplay released through Parlophone.