Coldplay is a band that just doesn’t go out of style. For years now, the British group has been writing hit songs and recording outstanding albums. They even played at the Super Bowl last year. Many bands enjoy their time in the sun for a year or so but few have been able to hold up for as long as Coldplay has. Coldplay’s first full length album “Parachutes” (2000) brought the band into the spotlight with the hit song “Yellow.” Seventeen years and six albums later, Chris Martin, John Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion are still going strong. This July, they released an extended play called “Kaleidoscope,” following their 2015 album “A Head Full of Dreams.” Less poppy and busy than their latest album, the new extended play (EP) has five songs that all go off into different directions with new and old sounds and bring out the elements that make Coldplay what it is.
Vocalist Chris Martin performing live.
“All I Can Think About You” starts off pretty low key with bass and drums carrying the song, and minimal guitar and keyboards. About three quarters way into the song it changes into a “Clocks” esque piano break and then gets pretty jamming, building up to a sudden ending. It’s a neat song and kind of has an “old meets new” Coldplay vibe.
“Miracles (Someone Special),” other than featuring a rap from Big Sean, sounds like it could have been from “Ghost Stories” or “A Head Full of Dreams.” The lyrics mention many historical people who have made a difference in the world, like Nelson Mandela.
“Aliens” is sort of a weird song. It has some neat synth sounds and an interesting drum beat. If an “ET” remake is ever made, this song would belong on it for sure.
The fourth track on the EP is a remix of the hit “Something Just Like This” that Coldplay and The Chainsmokers collaborated on. Called “Tokyo Remix,” the song is compiled of live recordings of the band playing it at concerts all over the world. It’s a cool idea, and you can hear the crowd singing along and cheering through pretty much the whole song.
Coldplay performing live
“Hypnotised” is an easygoing, easy listening song. With great piano work that Martin is known for, and Buckland’s distant-sounding reverbed guitar, it shows the band’s earlier style instead of their new “dance pop” sound. It is very simple and sounds just right.
“Kaleidoscope” is a cool and unique EP that blends classic Coldplay sounds with their new styles and influences. It is a reminder that even after all of these years, Coldplay are still real and genuine, and haven’t forgotten who they are.