 A brief look into Coldplay's evolving sound with moments of brilliance. COLDPLAY - KALEIDOSCOPE EP (2017) Released on July 14, 2017, Kaleidoscope EP is a succinct and varied collection that encapsulates Coldplay’s continuous experimentation and their talent for crafting memorable melodies. Produced by Rik Simpson, Daniel Green, and Bill Rahko, this EP showcases both the strengths and occasional missteps of a band that’s definitely not afraid to explore new territories. While it doesn't reach the heights of their full-length albums, it contains moments that remind us why Coldplay remains a potency in the music world. The EP opens with "All I Can Think About Is You," a track that begins with a minimalist arrangement before building into a multi-layered composition, while Chris Martin's reflective lyrics, "fish fell out of water, birds stuck on the ground," set a tone of introspection that permeates the entire EP. Next, "Miracles (Someone Special)" features Big Sean and continues Coldplay’s trend of high-profile collaborations, a strategy that has been prevalent since Mylo Xyloto. While the collaboration adds a modern edge, it also feels somewhat forced, as if the band is striving too hard to capture a broader audience. The lyrics, "You could be someone special… You've got fire in your eyes," are inspiring but fail to blend with Big Sean's verses, making the song feel disjointed. The third track, "A L I E N S," rises as the most enigmatic and intriguing song on the EP. Co-written with Brian Eno, this track stands out with its unique beat and atmospheric production; "we were just about to lose our home… diamonds ate the radio," are cryptic and stimulating, capturing a sense of displacement and searching. The experimental soundscape, combined with Martin’s vocals, makes this song a big surprise, highlighting the creative process achieved by the band.
Following this, "Something Just Like This (Tokyo Remix)" with The Chainsmokers, recorded live in Tokyo, is an odd inclusion in an EP predominantly composed of studio tracks. While the song itself is a massive hit and perfect for stadiums, its live rendition disrupts the EP's flow; however, the catching chorus, "I want something just like this," vibrates strongly, cementing its status as a crowd-pleaser. The EP, then, concludes with "Hypnotised," a beautiful and profound track that stands out as one of Coldplay’s finest in recent years. The song’s dreamy piano lines and Martin’s soothing voice create a sublime atmosphere; "oh now I'm moved to exclaim… yeah, I lift to a permanent high," are both comforting and inspiring, proving that Coldplay still possesses the spark that has always made their music shine. It’s a serene and reflective closer that leaves a lasting impression. If I could judge the EP solely based on "Hypnotised," it would already be worth it. This track alone showcases Coldplay’s ability to craft deeply affecting music. With Kaleidoscope EP, the band continues to evolve while occasionally stumbling, which is okay. It’s a collection of songs that offers enough to satisfy and remind us of Coldplay’s undeniable talent. ★★★½ (out of 5 stars) Coldplay Reviews: Parachutes (2000), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), Mylo Xyloto (2011), Ghost Stories (2014), A Head Full of Dreams (2015), Kaleidoscope EP (2017), Everyday Life (2019), Music of the Spheres (2021), and Moon Music (2024). |
