Coldplay's 'Violet Hill': Sharp guitars, soft bite

Even when Coldplay tries to rock out, the song ends up sounding like a ballad.

One of the world's biggest rock bands gave away its new single on Tuesday, inviting visitors to its official website to download the cut. The song, "Violet Hill," was hotly anticipated not only due to Coldplay's stature, but because it unveiled the sound of Coldplay's pairing with famed ambient musician/producer Brian Eno, the artist who has manned the production boards on such albums as U2's "Achtung Baby" and the Talking Heads' "Fear of Music," among many, many others.

From the forthcoming "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," due June 17, "Violet Hill" brings some spiky new flashes to Coldplay's sound, but still comfortably fits with the band's back catalog.

Those more familiar with Coldplay via its sparkling Grammy-winning songs "Clocks" and "In My Place," may hear a rougher, tougher Coldplay in "Violet Hill." Yet whenever the song seems ready to veer into a more forceful, arena-rock territory, Coldplay reigns in the aggression, and ultimately brings the song to an end with puppy-dog-like charm -- Chris Martin's soft vocals leading a trickling, mournful piano.

But there are moments where "Violet Hill" ranks as some of the more exciting music Coldplay has recorded. The first guitar crush arrives after a lengthy ambient intro, and brings an electrifying jolt to the striking piano melody. And Martin brings a booming confidence to his vocals that has been more evident in Coldplay's live shows than on record, his dip into a falsetto in the chorus more matter-of-fact than sorrowful.

It's all over much faster than it's 3:50 running time lets on, with its more thundering center framed by its quieter moments. While it doesn't rewrite Coldplay's sound, it bodes well for the upcoming album, showcasing Coldplay's ability to write giant, mainstream melodies, all the while gradually introducing some new flourishes to the mix.

Listen below, or download it for free on the band's official website.

Photo: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Harshan Jeyakumar]

The song is awesome - still coldplay but with a bit of oasis mixed in. the ending is the best part - showing they've still got their old style, an acoustic version would be awesome - maybe with Michael Stipe again???

[susan]

So well worth the wait. Top song yet again. my two toddler sons even love it.

[Chris]

Coldplay have obviously been listening to the classic Bon Jovi tune, 'Livin' on a Prayer.' How very progressive.

[KB]

Um, sorry to say I'm NOT really a fan of this song, and I love their older stuff...

[Megn]

i really really friggen LOVE this song. its about time coldplay. i looove the ending too. reminds me of the old stuff. :)

[Tom]

The song is magical. But I wouldn't expect anything less. It grows on me each time I hear it, can't wait for the album.

[Ryan Babs]

Just when I think todays music is without intelligence and beauty when it comes to songwriting and composition. Coldplay arrives with something brilliant like this.

[Chun Wei]

It sounds good. Quite Oasis like at times which is even better

Coldplay and Oasis = 2 best bands in world

[DD]

to those of you who dont like this song compared to their older stuff...dont compare them..all artists must change their styles to stay fresh. Im sure if they wrote songs relative to their older stuff, many would complain for something new...this is one of their best songs yet.

[ifyoulovemewon'tyouletmeknow]

This is an amazing song. Coldplay rocked it out with this song! It' s full of the emotion and raw-ness x&y was usually lacking. Can't wait for viva la vida or death and all his friends!

[jaynee]

i thought green eyes was outstanding and errrreee but WOW shivers yes the ending is the best pressing repeat all the time cant wait for the album....

[Chris Coppin]

Gee it sounds like Pink Floyd

[Sandeep Bhatia]

i'm generally ambivalent towards Coldplay, but once again there's little change to their sound, despite comments from fans over new directions...really? from more acoustic based songs of Parachutes to the lilting piano balladry of X&Y, this is not a band to push the musical envelope, nor one to play with more varied musical styles....their schtick is pleasant, sometimes catchy, sometimes anodyne tunes, nothing more, but its becoming increasingly forgettable..

[chluaid]

@ Chris Coppin:
I totally agree.. the first thing I thought of in the opening lines was David Gilmour in the Division Bell days.

Catchy song.. I don't see much of a departure though. It sounds like it could have been on Rush of Blood tbh.

[Nitin]

I wasn't impressed with the new single at all. I thought Coldplay would re-invent themselves after X&Y fiasco but they haven't changed inspite of collaborating with Brian Eno.

[Nitin]

I wasn't impressed with the new single at all. I thought Coldplay would re-invent themselves after X&Y fiasco but they haven't changed inspite of collaborating with Brian Eno.