The English Coldplay made a lightning-fast career. The band broke through immediately with their debut album (2000) and the hit Yellow; with the sequel (2002) and the hits In My Place, The Scientist and Clocks they managed to further expand the success. The pressure for the third album was enormous, record company EMI is largely dependent on X & Y for good annual figures. All the more admirable
… that the band once again managed to deliver a great record. Anyone secretly hoping for a return to the intimate sound of Parachutes will be disappointed, however. The trend towards more bombast, which had already started on A Rush Of Blood In The Head, continues on X & Y. The songs need a few spins this time to linger, but eventually the penny drops. Striking is the greater role for atmospheric synthesizers, the song Low involved none other than sound wizard . The producer of 's masterpiece is the' missing link 'between Coldplay and U2, the band so admired by singer Chris Martin. With X & Y, Coldplay has a good trump card in its hands to topple the Irish band from the throne as the largest rock band in the world. This 'special dutch edition' has a bonus CD with five new songs, one of which in a live version. (MS)more
