A Rush of Blood to the Head

CD-single, Import   Coldplay

sbrozo (Michigan)

Singer Chris Martin's pretty falsetto is reminiscent of Thom Yorke, yes, but with most of the snarly pathos removed, and the music is relaxed, minimalist pop/rock built with standard song structures and ethereal guitar or piano riffs. "A Rush of Blood to the Head" is gorgeously mellow audio comfort food, but it is never as risk-taking or inspired as some critics might have you believe. And although this album doesn't present any kind of major sonic progression from their much-acclaimed debut "Parachutes," it is in fact a much sturdier and more consistent record, with no songs quite as strong as "Yellow" or "Trouble," sure, but it's listenable all the way through, rather than only intermittently good as PARACHUTES was.