Coldplay stunned the musical world on Tuesday by surprisingly unveiling a new track, “Midnight.”
The video is directed by Mary Wigmore, who is the godmother to lead singer Chris Martin and actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter, Apple.
Coldplay teased the release with several tweets over the last few hours:
— Coldplay (@coldplay) February 24, 2014
Something new at 0:00 in Ulaanbaatar #midnight PH
— Coldplay (@coldplay) February 25, 2014
Before they then finally uploaded the video:
Here is the video for our new song, Midnight… http://t.co/RwBebcJjxC
— Coldplay (@coldplay) February 25, 2014
Reaction to “ Midnight ” has been decidedly mixed, though. Several publications instantly drew comparisons to Bon Iver, while some listeners noted that it sounded similar to Radiohead:
Coldplay’s new single sounds like a bad parody of Bon Iver–LISTEN: http://t.co/MilFc8lWWV — Slate (@Slate) February 25, 2014
Coldplay sound a bit like old school Bon Iver now. Check out their new single, “Midnight” http://t.co/jL1PRgQokX
— prettymuchamazing (@pmablog) February 25, 2014
This is why I love @coldplay . How they always experimenting and makes it so damn good every time. Emotions. Magical Midnight.
— Martin Engström (@giffelpucko) February 25, 2014
Remarks have also been peppered on the site’s YouTube channel, with one user writing, “It’s like listening to a dream. This is music, and this song let[s] you dream.”
Some commenters did confess that it took them a few listens to enjoy it, while others have insisted that it’s too much of a departure from their previous albums.
Meanwhile, another Tweet hinted that Coldplay’s new album could be released soon too:
Coldplay album to be released soon pic.twitter.com/AHq5yUEESu
— Coldplay Malaysia (@ColdplayMsia) February 25, 2014
MTV.com have reported that Coldplay’s next album will be released in either May or June, and they have also noted that it will be similar to their second record, 2002’s A Rush Of Blood to the Head.
Coldplay will hopefully premiere a bevy of new tracks when they appear at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas later this year. They are set to headline the event, which will take place on March 11 at the Moody Theatre, and will also feature Imagine Dragons.
Last September Coldplay provided the song, “Atlas,” for the soundtrack to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Coldplay’s five previous albums have included 2000’s Parachutes, which was then followed up by A Rush Of Blood To The Head, X&Y, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, and 2011’s Myto Xyloto. Combined, these albums have sold over 55 million copies across the world.
[Image via Rovenko Photo /Shutterstock]