The band won critical acclaim since its debut album and is still going strong after ten years, not to mention their last album ‘X & Y’ won several awards. Reaching the stage when it could be easy to slip into one’s pattern, vocal Chris Martin made a point to revamp their sound, starting with bringing in legendary musician and producer Brian Eno and new star Markus Dravis (producer of Canadian band Arcade Fire).

Chris mentioned in an interview that he was listening to Blur, My Bloody Valentine and Arcade Fire during the production of ‘Viva…’ It is evidential that the sound evolved with an injection of shoegazing and psychedelic flavour. Chris also attempts a difference expression in his voice. ‘Viva…’ has sold over 300,000 within the first three days and became the fastest selling album in the U.K. music history. It is also topping the download chart, beating John Mayer (‘Continuum’ album) to his two-year record.

Text: Bruno Moonbyrd | Translation: dilettante | Update: 12 Jul 2008