Chris Martin’s dude-crooning-at-piano routine threatens to overwhelm this disc only once — on “Death and All His Friends.” Producer Brian Eno and Coldplay the band otherwise command a marvelously unexpected collection of cinema-rock tunes that reach the band’s trademark soaring melodic heights but with clever instrumentation, experimental production, and teamwork. “Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love” stocks a two-movement opus with cloud-high guitar licks, jazzy drumming, and bass melodies that make you wish the band had overthrown Martin three albums ago.
Viva La Vida
Coldplay
Capitol
$18.99
