There’s no getting around it: Coldplay is arguably the most universally liked band in the world these days, and for good reason. Their unique brand of epic pop stylings and perfectly catchy melodies stands up to similar styles from generations past, affording them the much coveted “timeless” title. Viva La Vida, whether you like it or not, was a massive step for the band, changing their public perception from “you know how I know you’re gay?” to “wait, you don’t like Coldplay?”. From the title track to other standouts such as “Lost!” and “Strawberry Swing”, the boys from London crafted a nearly flawless album that put them on the tips of every tastemakers’ tongues. Such high praise should’ve been expected though, since the evolution was apparent on X&Y. Prospekt’s March, their newest EP released in late November, picks up right where Viva La Vida left off, complete with lush instrumentals and unbearably epic melodies. The EP includes a Jay-Z remix of “Lost!” as well as a re-imagining of “Lovers in Japan”. The highlight of the album, however, is undoubtedly “Life in Technicolor II” which takes only the most exciting and breathtaking parts of the album version and enhances them, resulting in a song as legendary and memorable as “Viva La Vida” or “Clocks”. The video is quite interesting, as the band is replaced by puppets that look eerily similar to Team America World Police characters. The “band” plays for a group of students who are as mesmerized by the musical stylings as I was when I first heard the song. As the little puppet Chris Martin flies off in his helicopter, everyone in the classroom is left in awe, hoping for more. Let’s just hope Coldplay has more where this came from.
