Coldplay makes its official return with “Hypnotised,” a song from the British band’s upcoming EP.  “Hypnotised” plays true to its name.

Coldplay already made one return in 2017, with The Chainsmokers (“Something Just Like This”).  Now, the Chris Martin-led collective makes its official return with a mysterious, hypnotizing new single, “Hypnotised.” Over the course of years, the band’s sound has changed considerably.  Trace it back to Xylo Myloto.  Even with their stylistic shifts, Coldplay has delivered some compelling records.  “Hypnotised” is definitely an interesting listen.

Vocally, Chris Martin is on his game.  His best moments come courtesy of his falsetto – his “calling card” over the years.  Naturally, he nails the chorus:

“Now I’m hyp, hypnotized / Yeah I trip, when I look in your eyes / Oh I’m hyp, hypnotized / Yeah I slip, and I’m mesmerized.”

Lyrically, there is nothing innovative about the aforementioned lyrics, but Coldplay clearly makes his point if nothing else.  The verses provide more insight into Martin’s mindset…well…not so much.

On the first verse, Martin is all over the place.  Clearly, his mindset is cloudy – he’s hypnotized after all.

“Been rusting in the rubble / Running to a faint / Need a brand new coat of paint…”

WTF? That’s an appropriate reaction.  The second verse is a bit more revealing.  It’s still poetic but makes more sense.

“It’s easy to be lethal / I’m learning from the news / It’s a guidebook for the blues…”

Considering all the parts, putting “Hypnotised” together as a whole is, well, somewhat disjointed.  What exactly is the band trying to say, collectively? “That is the question.”

Final Thoughts 

The hypnotic effect of “Hypnotised” can’t be denied.  Give the band credit for the repetitive musical lines carried by piano and guitar in particular.  The main rub is that at six minutes and slow in pace, “Hypnotised” ends up being the slightest bit sleepy.  It not that Martin and company sleepwalk through it, but the record could stand the slightest bit more oomph.  Still, hard to deny the radiance.

Coldplay • Hypnotised – single • Parlophone • Release: 3.3.17

Photo Credit: Parlophone