Coldplay Hires Brian Eno To Produce New Album, Record In Church

It would seem Coldplay's mellow, soothing brand of pop-rock couldn't possibly alienate anyone. But apparently, Chris Martin feels differently.

Martin is worried about turning fans away with their recent ventures into arena-pop, according to Britain's The Sun tabloid. So they've hired Brian Eno (who produced 2008's Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends) to produce their next album, one that promises to be more intimate than their most recent releases.

"Chris is determined not to be seen as a huge commercial rock juggernaut, filling stadiums and cashing in," a source close to the band told The Sun. "This is the plan to keep them as close to their fans as possible. The band are keen to make hay while the sun shines."

Accordingly, they've skipped the lavish studios, instead choosing to record the album in a London, England chapel.

The band haven't yet released any set timelines for the album, although it's expected within the next year.

Martin is also rumoured to appear on the finale of The X Factor, the U.K.'s version of American Idol. Yep, Zach De La Rocha is pissed.