Coldplay — Live 2003

Coldplay are Radiohead's cooler little brother. Where Radiohead's Thom Yorke looks every bit as maudlin on stage as his lyrics suggest, Coldplay's Chris Martin is more the consummate showman, lapping up the spotlight. Live 2003 is a DVD/CD compilation that's testament to this. It showcases Martin and co. on their recent world tour, an endeavour that established them as British music's reigning kings.

The band's Echo And The Bunnymen influences come out front and centre in a live setting, particularly on new track "Moses." The production cuts between colour and black and white to add artistic panache, while Martin remains the camera's focal point. He emanates sensitive-boy charm from centre stage or behind the piano. For all his charisma, however, Live 2003 proves that Coldplay's strength is in their consistently strong songs. The alluring hooks from the studio albums are augmented in the live setting and all the hits are present here.

The DVD in particular is a dazzling audio-visual experience, showcasing the band's talent for working dynamics. Nothing makes a bittersweet melody more palatable than a dramatic build, complete with a dazzling array of lights.

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